Thesaurus

penitence

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of penitence

a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing

The sincerity of the player's penitence is questionable—he began to express remorse only after the suspension was handed down.

Synonyms of penitence

contriteness, contrition, guilt, regret, remorse, remorsefulness, repentance, rue, self-reproach, shame

Words Related to penitence

compunction, misgiving, prick, qualm, scruple

blame, culpability, fault

liability, rap, responsibility

chagrin, embarrassment

anguish, distress, grief, ruth, sadness, sorrow

bloodguilt, bloodguiltiness

apology, excuses, hand-wringing, mea culpa

Antonyms of penitence

impenitence, remorselessness

Synonym Discussion of penitence

penitence, repentance, contrition, compunction, remorse 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

repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.

- repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.

- tearful expressions of contrition

compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.

- had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

remorse suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied.