penitent

adjective

ˈpe-nə-tənt How to pronounce penitent (audio)
Definition of penitentnext
as in ashamed
feeling sorrow for a wrong that one has done a penitent gossip who had come to ask for forgiveness

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  1. ashamed
  2. sorry
  3. remorseful
  4. repentant
  5. contrite
  6. apologetic
  7. regretful
Adjective
  • By shutting down conversations or not answering kids' questions, Chambers said, parents can unintentionally send the message that periods and puberty are something to be ashamed of.
    — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • She would be horrified, hurt—ashamed, even, of Zeenat’s behavior.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
Definition of ashamed
Adjective
  • This is Ian coming into contact with me through the cosmos and saying, ‘Look, sorry for taking your name.
    — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026
  • The following selections span the gambit from absorbent coasters to rattan coasters to high-quality pieces that are only occasionally dishwasher-safe—sorry.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2026
Definition of sorry
Adjective
  • Outside the courtroom, attorney Eric Clayman told reporters that Watson is remorseful and didn’t want to hurt Ibrahim.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • Lil Wayne is feeling remorseful after leaving fans in Maine high and dry.
    — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of remorseful
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
  • On Sunday a contrite Brewster apologized.
    — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026
  • McGuire indicated that Sorsby is contrite about it all and said that the quarterback could speak publicly soon.
    — Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Definition of contrite
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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Cite this Entry

“Penitent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penitent. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of penitent for Spanish Speakers

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