PENITENT Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

penitent

adjective

ˈpe-nə-tənt

Definition of penitent

as in ashamed

feeling sorrow for a wrong that one has done a penitent gossip who had come to ask for forgiveness

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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 penitent When in the presence of God, one is meant to assume a penitent air. — Literary Hub, 20 June 2025 For his part, the boy is quiet and seems penitent, making the cell a calming refuge for Dean within an institution unofficially ruled by a cutthroat mini mob boss, Freddie (Ishay Lalosh). — Judy Berman, Time, 2 May 2025 Your penitent correspondent humbly submits that the whole ritual has jumped the shark in Northeast Ohio. — Sam Allard, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025 With an appropriately penitent look, Grant took a deep breath. — Scott Huver, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for penitent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penitent

Adjective

According to the Mental Health Foundation, almost one third of teenagers feel ashamed of some aspect of their body.

— Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 19 July 2026
Children might feel entitled to endless support or, on the flipside, feel ashamed about accepting help.

— Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 16 July 2026

Definition of ashamed

Adjective

Johnson wrote in a letter in the filing to the Illinois review board that Hoover is repentant and has the potential and the desire to live the rest of his life as a force for good in his community.

— Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025
Perry had been reluctant to engage with recovery groups in the past, which are often structured around repentant confessions.

— Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 4 Aug. 2025

Definition of repentant

Adjective

Instead of trying to hide the battery pack behind oversized body panels, the Streetdog integrates it into the overall silhouette in a way that feels deliberate rather than apologetic.

— Utkarsh Sood June 27, New Atlas, 27 June 2026
Palmer was immediately apologetic, though her family was already laughing.

— Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026

Definition of apologetic

Adjective

Regina genuinely likes Louis, is regretful about getting loud with him, and after learning about Claudia feels sorry for him.

— Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
That’s interesting because there’s not been a case being made for going back in, just a lot of regretful noises.

— Mishal Husain, Bloomberg, 22 May 2026

Definition of regretful

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penitence

penitent

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“Penitent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penitent. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of penitent

adjective

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