remorse

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of remorse Marc Lasry, cofounder and CEO of Avenue Capital Group and the former co-owner of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, didn’t express any seller’s remorse for cashing out his stake in the Bucks at a $3.5 billion valuation in 2023, even as the Boston Celtics sold in a deal worth more than $6 billion this year. Hank Tucker, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 The accents of remorse are elliptical, inarticulate. Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025 Gonzalez says there is some remorse among Venezuelan-Americans who voted for Trump, some of whom now see his decision to lift TPS as a betrayal. Greg Allen, NPR, 20 May 2025 The older child was torturing his younger brother, and, by smiling when told to stop by his mother, showed callousness and lack of remorse. Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for remorse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for remorse
Noun
  • In very unhinged behavior, Lucy tracks Sophie down (after her boss expressly tells her the client doesn't want any contact whatsoever), and unsurprisingly, Sophie admonishes her for invading her privacy in an attempt to absolve her feelings of guilt.
    Aisha Harris, NPR, 21 June 2025
  • The Holocaust looms over discussions about Israel, with many claiming the country’s sense of historical guilt has made it, until recently, reluctant to criticize Israeli politics.
    Agnes Mueller, The Conversation, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • But general manager Don Waddell expressed no regrets or disappointment after one trade fell through and several others fizzled out before gaining any traction.
    Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • The part ultimately went to Ariana Grande, but Seyfried has no regrets.
    Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Which is a shame, because there are alternatives to demolition, including one on display just a few blocks away.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 27 June 2025
  • His parents, Polish immigrants who fled German conquest and discrimination, took Indian land—and felt shame over doing so, having been uprooted themselves.
    Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Remorse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remorse. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on remorse

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