Synonym Chooser

How is the word penitence distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of penitence are compunction, contrition, remorse, and repentance. While all these words mean "regret for sin or wrongdoing," penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.

absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

Where would compunction be a reasonable alternative to penitence?

While in some cases nearly identical to penitence, compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.

had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

When could contrition be used to replace penitence?

The meanings of contrition and penitence largely overlap; however, contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.

tearful expressions of contrition

When can remorse be used instead of penitence?

While the synonyms remorse and penitence are close in meaning, 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

In what contexts can repentance take the place of penitence?

The words repentance and penitence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 penitence Some could bring only fear, and the probability of future fear was dependent on the probability of past fear, as well as on the parent’s over-all chance of penitence. Weike Wang, The New Yorker, 11 July 2024 Especially at this time of year, when mismatches on the power play — at 6-foot-4, Nichushkin blots out the sun as well as opposing goalies’ vision — can often mean the difference between parades and penitence. Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 14 May 2024 In many religions, the sacrifice of hair can signal penitence. Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2023 An attempt by one German activist to shift attention to Russia’s current war showed just how ingrained the traditional focus on World War II penitence has become. Ekaterina Bodyagina, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2023 See All Example Sentences for penitence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penitence
Noun
  • During last month’s clemency hearing, Hanson expressed remorse for his involvement in the crimes and apologized to the victims’ families.
    Sean Murphy, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
  • The statement of remorse by Musk, who spent more than $250 million to help elect Trump in 2024, comes as observers have noticed another shift in his tone on social media toward the Administration.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • In very unhinged behavior, Lucy tracks Sophie down (after her boss expressly tells her the client doesn't want any contact whatsoever), and unsurprisingly, Sophie admonishes her for invading her privacy in an attempt to absolve her feelings of guilt.
    Aisha Harris, NPR, 21 June 2025
  • The Holocaust looms over discussions about Israel, with many claiming the country’s sense of historical guilt has made it, until recently, reluctant to criticize Israeli politics.
    Agnes Mueller, The Conversation, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • But general manager Don Waddell expressed no regrets or disappointment after one trade fell through and several others fizzled out before gaining any traction.
    Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Moyers expressed regret for the spot — an attack on Johnson’s Republican opponent Barry Goldwater’s views on the use of nuclear weapons.
    Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Which is a shame, because there are alternatives to demolition, including one on display just a few blocks away.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 27 June 2025
  • His parents, Polish immigrants who fled German conquest and discrimination, took Indian land—and felt shame over doing so, having been uprooted themselves.
    Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Penitence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penitence. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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