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

If a situation doesn’t feel right, leave without remorse—the good thing about a road trip is that your getaway vehicle is probably nearby! —Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 23 Apr. 2025

Thompson, who has been in custody since his arrest in March 2022, reportedly expressed remorse for the killing in a letter handed to Justice Richard Weinstein as the trial continued on Tuesday, April 29, per 9 News. —Becca Longmire, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025

But there would be no love shown by Melody at her sentencing when she was given the opportunity to express remorse and ask the judge for leniency. —Susan Mallie, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2025

Prosecutors are pushing for a seven-year sentence, arguing Santos has not shown real remorse. —Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025