as in penitent
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Recent Examples of penitential
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
Inclement weather, a lack of footwear, and food and sleep deprivation all contribute to pilgrims’ immersion in the penitential suffering of purgatory.
—Lanta Davis and Vince Reighard, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Mar. 2024
The practices were somewhat penitential, but not as intense as those of Lent, and the spirit was much more preparation than penance.
—WSJ, 4 Jan. 2024
The church released a statement on its website Thursday saying that, due to the desecration of the altar, Abbot Elijah Owens and the monastic community will undertake the penitential rite, reparation for the desecration and offer a Mass of Reparation.
—Monica Brich, Arkansas Online, 7 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for penitential
Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2025
Inclement weather, a lack of footwear, and food and sleep deprivation all contribute to pilgrims’ immersion in the penitential suffering of purgatory.
—Lanta Davis and Vince Reighard, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Mar. 2024
The practices were somewhat penitential, but not as intense as those of Lent, and the spirit was much more preparation than penance.
—WSJ, 4 Jan. 2024
The church released a statement on its website Thursday saying that, due to the desecration of the altar, Abbot Elijah Owens and the monastic community will undertake the penitential rite, reparation for the desecration and offer a Mass of Reparation.
—Monica Brich, Arkansas Online, 7 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for penitential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penitential
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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In a few short years, my plaintive, pleading tone would seem awkward and apologetic, compared to the confrontational calls on campuses for a free Palestine from the river to the sea, or Kneecap’s concert criticisms.—
Philip Metres
August 27,
Literary Hub,
27 Aug. 2025
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Though staff were apologetic, Wolf went along with the request.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Over these last weeks, however, I have been nudged into a repentant apology by his profound take on our political crisis and a sincere and accurate Christian analysis of the problems and deliberate practical steps the individual Christian citizen can take during this holy season.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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On Monday, after the dust had settled, the veteran issued a contrite apology.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Aug. 2025
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The dispatches from one of India’s most troubled generic drug makers were contrite, filled with far-reaching promises to clean up its factory, stop contamination and send safe medication to Americans counting on the company’s drugs.—
Megan Rose,
ProPublica,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Singh Pannun said Singh was remorseful about the accident.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
29 Aug. 2025
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Brom understands the severity of his crimes, is remorseful and has apologized to everyone involved.—
Matthew Stolle,
Twin Cities,
2 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penitential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penitential. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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