Synonyms of penitence

penitence

noun

ˈpe-nə-tən(t)s 

as in remorse

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 & Similar Words

• remorse
• guilt
• regret
• remorsefulness
• shame
• repentance
• contrition
• contriteness
• grief
• self-reproach
• sadness
• rue
• sorrow
• apology
• compunction
• anguish
• blame
• culpability
• scruple
• responsibility
• embarrassment
• qualm
• distress
• chagrin
• misgiving
• prick
• ruth
• excuses
• rap
• fault
• liability
• bloodguilt
• bloodguiltiness
• hand-wringing
• mea culpa

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• impenitence
• remorselessness

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

Recent Examples of penitence

But after a perfunctory squeeze, her father lays his head on her shoulder in a gesture of affectionate, put-on penitence. — Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026

According to Vatican News, early Christians originally began preparing for Easter with just two days of fasting and penitence, which later turned into Holy Week. — Lianna Norman, Florida Times-Union, 16 Feb. 2026

It is preceded by Shrove Tuesday and marks the first day of Lent, the six weeks of penitence before Easter, which falls on April 20 this year. — Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2025

In the justice system of early modern Europe, public executions offered a spectacle of both punishment and penitence. — Katrina Gulliver, JSTOR Daily, 13 Mar. 2023