as in penitent
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Recent Examples of penitential
Other penitential acts bring the communal aspect more to the fore.
—
Timothy Gabrielli, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2025
During the 8th to 10th centuries, this practice fell by the wayside and the penitential season of Lent started being marked with ashes placed on the heads of the entire congregation.
—Chris Sims, IndyStar, 19 Apr. 2025
Geometric wrought-iron gates and latticed concrete walls pattern the scenes with a penitential feel.
—Namwali Serpell, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2025
In the 4th century, these festivals were adapted by Christians and incorporated into the liturgical calendar as a period of indulgence before the penitential observance of Lent.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penitential
Timothy Gabrielli, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2025
During the 8th to 10th centuries, this practice fell by the wayside and the penitential season of Lent started being marked with ashes placed on the heads of the entire congregation.
—Chris Sims, IndyStar, 19 Apr. 2025
Geometric wrought-iron gates and latticed concrete walls pattern the scenes with a penitential feel.
—Namwali Serpell, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2025
In the 4th century, these festivals were adapted by Christians and incorporated into the liturgical calendar as a period of indulgence before the penitential observance of Lent.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penitential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penitential
Adjective
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It is flanked on all sides by footlong rulers (emblazoned, like the yardsticks, with an assortment of penitent phrases including YES, SISTER and NO, SISTER) marking the hours.—
Alex Jovanovich,
Artforum,
1 Jan. 2026
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When in the presence of God, one is meant to assume a penitent air.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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In the footage, Rivera is initially apologetic to the trooper who pulls him over, saying sorry for going through a red light.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
22 Jan. 2026
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Days later, Levine wrote that the merchandise had been returned with an apologetic note written in red pen.—
Brian Niemietz,
Mercury News,
30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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If young Laveranues ever let a profanity slip in front of his mother, the contrite child put two hands to his chest and apologized sincerely.—
Dan Pompei,
New York Times,
2 Dec. 2025
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This and that ▪ Dolphins rookie running back Ollie Gordon II was contrite about lashing out at running backs coach Eric Studesville in a heated exchange after Gordon was called for a tripping penalty against Baltimore.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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During his years behind bars, the 81 year old became reflective and remorseful, though no less colorful.—
Johnny Dodd,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
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Is DeAngelo remorseful for his crimes?—
Camryn Dadey,
Sacbee.com,
10 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penitential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penitential. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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