Synonym Chooser

How is the word contrition distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of contrition are compunction, penitence, remorse, and repentance. While all these words mean "regret for sin or wrongdoing," contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.

tearful expressions of contrition

When might compunction be a better fit than contrition?

The synonyms compunction and contrition are sometimes interchangeable, but compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.

had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

When would penitence be a good substitute for contrition?

The meanings of penitence and contrition largely overlap; however, penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.

absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

When is remorse a more appropriate choice than contrition?

The words remorse and contrition can be used in similar contexts, but remorse suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied.

thieves untroubled by feelings of remorse

When is it sensible to use repentance instead of contrition?

In some situations, the words repentance and contrition are roughly equivalent. However, repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.

repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of contrition Taylor Wilson: So really how is Gaetz responding here after this, Josh? Josh Meyer: There's not a lot of contrition there. Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025 His legacy with the Heat is blown apart, beyond repair without at least unexpected contrition from him that his behavior has been stunningly unprofessional and a flat betrayal of the team paying him $48,798,677 this season. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025 All Your Faces > Sing Sing Jeanne Herry observes contrition among society’s criminals and their victims, a deeper dive than the incoherent sentimentality of Greg Kwedar’s incarceral black-Latino pity party. Armond White, National Review, 8 Jan. 2025 There have been plenty of opportunities for humility, sobriety, contrition. Martin McKenzie-Murray, SPIN, 7 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contrition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrition
Noun
  • Lemieux showed zero remorse for Draper’s injuries and didn’t apologize.
    DJ Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • To know if estrangement makes sense for you, Bryant suggests asking yourself a few questions: Does the person express any remorse?
    Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Dina got to be with him, Dina got to spend that last day with him, and there's a lot of guilt and regret on Ellie's part.
    EW.com, EW.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Families who lose a loved one are prone to mental health deficits such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety, compounded by feelings of guilt, self-blame, shame, and condemnation, often resulting in social isolation.
    William Mullane, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Also, many of the main heroes revisit moments of past trauma and regret, including scenes with Bob and his abusive dad, and the intimated murder of a young girl as Yelena looks on.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • The report said authors found low certainty of evidence on the effects of gender-affirming surgeries on adolescents including suicidality, depression, asexual function, quality of life and regret.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contrition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrition. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contrition

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