as in penitent
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Recent Examples of penitential
This year, the start of Ramadan is expected around the same time as Ash Wednesday, a solemn day of fasting and reflection that signals the start of Lent, the most penitential season of the church calendar for Catholics and many other Christians.
—
Mariam Fam,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
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,
13 Feb. 2026
In contrast to the penitential nature of Lent, Easter is a festive period that lasts for fifty days, culminating with the feast of Pentecost.
—
Nadia Cantú,
AZCentral.com,
3 Feb. 2026
When this occurs, public worship is suspended until a penitential rite is performed to restore the sanctity of the church.
—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penitential
Mariam Fam,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
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,
13 Feb. 2026
In contrast to the penitential nature of Lent, Easter is a festive period that lasts for fifty days, culminating with the feast of Pentecost.
—
Nadia Cantú,
AZCentral.com,
3 Feb. 2026
When this occurs, public worship is suspended until a penitential rite is performed to restore the sanctity of the church.
—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for penitential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penitential
Adjective
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In his speech to the Spanish parliament Monday, Leo framed the right of the church to keep priest-penitent conversations confidential as a matter of freedom of religion.
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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.
Adjective
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Be apologetic for the inconvenience.
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Streep imitated how Hawn, 80, would arrive on set, always apologetic.
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.
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Perry had been reluctant to engage with recovery groups in the past, which are often structured around repentant confessions.
Adjective
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On Sunday a contrite Brewster apologized.
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McGuire indicated that Sorsby is contrite about it all and said that the quarterback could speak publicly soon.
Adjective
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Mazzei asked whether Heuermann was truly remorseful.
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Peters doesn’t appear especially remorseful.
Cite this Entry
“Penitential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penitential. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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