Synonyms of repentance

repentance

noun

ri-ˈpen-tᵊn(t)s 

as in remorse

a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing

preached that repentance was the first step on the path of redemption

Synonyms & Similar Words

• remorse
• guilt
• regret
• remorsefulness
• shame
• penitence
• contrition
• contriteness
• grief
• self-reproach
• sadness
• sorrow
• rue
• apology
• anguish
• compunction
• blame
• culpability
• responsibility
• embarrassment
• qualm
• scruple
• distress
• misgiving
• prick
• ruth
• chagrin
• excuses
• fault
• bloodguilt
• liability
• rap
• bloodguiltiness
• mea culpa
• hand-wringing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• impenitence
• remorselessness

Synonym Chooser

How is the word repentance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of repentance are compunction, contrition, penitence, and remorse. While all these words mean "regret for sin or wrongdoing," repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.

repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

When could compunction be used to replace repentance?

In some situations, the words compunction and repentance are roughly equivalent. However, 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 repentance?

The words contrition and repentance are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.

tearful expressions of contrition

When is penitence a more appropriate choice than repentance?

The words penitence and repentance can be used in similar contexts, but penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.

absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

When can remorse be used instead of repentance?

Although the words remorse and repentance have much in common, 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of repentance

Yakir Englander, a philosopher, had taught about Maimonides’ theory of teshuvah, or repentance, in which the medieval scholar laid out three requirements: to acknowledge error, to express regret and to resolve to make change. —Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025

Pic is a story about a gangster in modern day Chicago, inspired by the repentance story of the fifth-century saint of the same name. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2025

Rather than leading to just another social media onslaught and another set of hurt feelings, the bagel brouhaha transformed, according to local Jewish leaders, into an exemplar of teshuvah, the Jewish ideal of repentance. —Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025

On Ash Wednesday, Catholics around the world attend Mass, receive ashes on their foreheads as a sign of repentance, and observe fasting and abstinence as prescribed by Church law. —Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025