REMORSE! Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

remorse

noun

ri-ˈmȯrs

Definition of remorse next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The offensive had weapons and the defense boasted two fang-bearing edge rushers and a No Fly Zone secondary that humbled All-Pros, MVPs and journeymen without remorse. —

Troy Renck, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026 Victims of Japanese aggression before and during World War II, especially China and the Koreas, see visits to the shrine as a lack of remorse about Japan’s wartime past. —

ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026 But Carlson is hardly the only American with buyer’s remorse. —

Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 The Miami Dolphins added an actual ton of beef to the defensive front in last year’s draft, and for half a season there seemed to be buyer’s remorse. —

Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for remorse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for remorse

Noun

The judge also made clear the scope of a preliminary hearing is limited, focused on whether prosecutors can establish probable cause, not determining guilt or innocence, but said the defense still needs sufficient time to prepare given the volume of material.

— Adam Sabes , Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
The guilt swells and swells while the sweater sits and sits.

— Liana Satenstein, Vogue, 8 May 2026