PENITENTIAL Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

penitential

adjective

Definition of penitential

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 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 During the litigation of the case, Thompson said an issue arose as to whether the pastors’ testimony would be allowed under a Kansas statute that allows penitential communication between religious leaders and church-goers to remain private. — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for penitential

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penitential

Adjective

Having your biggest look also be your most penitent is a bold move, but it’s girded by Rome having put in years of work and collected plenty of horror stories to reflect on.

— Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026
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.

— Suman Naishadham, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026

Definition of penitent

Adjective

An apologetic statement this week and commitment to not letting history repeat itself has, though, done little to placate the intensifying scrutiny of his leadership.

— Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
The cleaning lady was very apologetic and offered to pay for the sink itself.

— R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of apologetic

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

To Tommy, Anna and Molly are twittering encumbrances, idiotic in their insistence on good works and the good of man, their endless remorseful hedgings about the Communist Party.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of remorseful

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“Penitential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penitential. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of penitential

adjective

Example Sentences

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