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

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 repentance But this experience need not be limited to Catholicism’s terms of repentance, for the church offers only one kind of erotic container. Terry Nguyen july 23, Literary Hub, 23 July 2025 Ash Wednesday – also known as the Day of Ashes – is a day of repentance and fasting, when Christians, especially Catholics, confess their sins and profess their devotion to God. Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 With Ash Wednesday marking the start of 40 days of fasting, reflection and repentance, Christians everywhere are gearing up to trade indulgence for discipline in the countdown to Easter. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 17 Apr. 2025 The 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and repentance leads up to Easter Sunday. William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for repentance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repentance
Noun
  • Before Hellerstein imposed the sentence, Javice stood to express remorse and to apologize.
    Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Elsewhere in the doc, Walt Weiss, a former detective for the Murphy Police Department who participated in the Conradt sting, shares his remorse over the situation.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • What lingers as the end credits roll is Daniel Day-Lewis’ noble face — full of sorrow, resentment, guilt and shame, emotions that Ray spends much of the early action masking in hardened indifference.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The judge commented that the decision was not a ruling on his innocence or guilt, but the technical error in bringing the case.
    Thomas Smith, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Across his many years in the entertainment industry, Glen Powell doesn't have many regrets — save for one decades-old reality TV appearance.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
  • In between clips of the film subject’s standup sets, Dustin, who’s rarely seen without a drink or a cigarette, talks about his and his father’s bipolar depression, his struggle with alcohol and regrets he’s harbored throughout his life.
    Frank DiGiacomo, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Until very recently, people who have been pregnant or given birth kept the experience to themselves; a sense of secrecy or even shame pervaded the realities of welcoming a child.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The remorse, the sorrow, the regret, the disappointment, the shame.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Repentance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repentance. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on repentance

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