REMORSES 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

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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 Voters have expressed remorse In the years since Brexit, Britain’s political landscape has fractured, with declining support for the two long-dominant parties, Conservatives and Labour. —

Brian Melley, Fortune, 21 June 2026 In an interview with NBC4, the neighbor who called police expressed remorse for making the call. —

Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026 Is Heuermann capable of remorse? —

Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 18 June 2026 The one-sided conversation ended with Hocevar patting Wallace on the shoulder — defusing the tension while offering little remorse. —

ABC News, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for remorse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for remorse

Noun

Murdaugh’s attorneys appealed the convictions, saying the trial was tainted by the county clerk Becky Hill’s inappropriate comments to jurors implying his guilt.

— Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Graf said that comment violated a rule prohibiting prosecutors from expressing their opinion about the guilt or innocence of a defendant.

— N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 26 June 2026

Definition of guilt

Noun

In a pricey travel year, travelers are adopting savvy strategies to enjoy high-end experiences with less financial regret.

— Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 26 June 2026
The independent channel exposes that mistake early enough to stop it from becoming a warehouse full of regret.

— Joel Goldstein, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Definition of regret

Noun

According to Ronan, many individuals arrive at treatment carrying significant emotional burdens that include shame, disappointment, trauma, and self-doubt.

— K.H. Koehler, USA Today, 22 June 2026
The conditions that drive transmission — silence, shame, and avoidance — remain largely unchanged.

— Rasheed Gonga, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026