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remorse

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of remorse

a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing
  • He felt a deep remorse for having neglected his friend over the years.
Synonyms of remorse

contriteness, contrition, guilt, penitence, regret, remorsefulness, repentance, rue, self-reproach, shame
Words Related to remorse

compunction, misgiving, prick, qualm, scruple

blame, culpability, fault

liability, rap, responsibility

chagrin, embarrassment

anguish, distress, grief, ruth, sadness, sorrow

bloodguilt, bloodguiltiness

apology, excuses, hand-wringing, mea culpa
Antonyms of remorse

impenitence, remorselessness

Synonym Discussion of remorse

penitence, repentance, contrition, compunction, remorse mean regret for sin or wrongdoing. penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.
    • absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence
repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.
    • repentance accompanied by a complete change of character
contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.
    • tearful expressions of contrition
compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.
    • had no compunctions about taking back what is mine
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

Learn More about remorse

  1. See words that rhyme with remorse Dictionary: Definition of remorse Spanish Central: Translation of remorse Nglish: Translation of remorse for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of remorse for Arabic speakers

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