Synonyms of remorse

remorse

noun

ri-ˈmȯrs 

as in guilt

a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing

he felt a deep remorse for having neglected his family over the years

Synonyms & Similar Words

• guilt
• regret
• shame
• remorsefulness
• contrition
• repentance
• penitence
• sadness
• grief
• sorrow
• self-reproach
• contriteness
• anguish
• rue
• compunction
• apology
• blame
• culpability
• qualm
• responsibility
• embarrassment
• scruple
• misgiving
• distress
• chagrin
• prick
• fault
• ruth
• excuses
• liability
• rap
• bloodguilt
• hand-wringing
• bloodguiltiness
• mea culpa

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• impenitence
• remorselessness

Synonym Chooser

How is the word remorse distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of remorse are compunction, contrition, penitence, and repentance. While all these words mean "regret for sin or wrongdoing," remorse suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied.

thieves untroubled by feelings of remorse

When is compunction a more appropriate choice than remorse?

While in some cases nearly identical to remorse, compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.

had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

When is it sensible to use contrition instead of remorse?

The words contrition and remorse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.

tearful expressions of contrition

When would penitence be a good substitute for remorse?

The synonyms penitence and remorse are sometimes interchangeable, but penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.

absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

When might repentance be a better fit than remorse?

The words repentance and remorse can be used in similar contexts, but repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.

repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of remorse

Explore Jelly Roll See latest videos, charts and news Jelly Roll has long talked about the his remorse for the multiple arrests in his youth and the long road he’s taken to make amends, including frequently visiting jails and rehab centers before his shows. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 23 Apr. 2025

Lemieux showed zero remorse for Draper’s injuries and didn’t apologize. —Dj Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025

To know if estrangement makes sense for you, Bryant suggests asking yourself a few questions: Does the person express any remorse? —Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025

Prosecutors reduced the second-degree murder charge to first-degree manslaughter in exchange for the guilty plea, telling the judge that Cruz, through an attorney, expressed remorse and wanted to take responsibility for the crime. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025