repentant

adjective

ri-ˈpen-tᵊnt How to pronounce repentant (audio)
Definition of repentantnext
as in remorseful
feeling sorrow for a wrong that one has done repentant sinners

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 repentant Moore gives one of her quietest performances as repentant cowboy Kiefer’s former lover, Mary Alice. — Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2025 Lyttleton discerned that if Saul was truly converted to Christ, the only explanation was the one Saul himself provided; namely, that the risen Christ appeared to him and called him to repentant faith. — Dan Miller, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025 Released 24 years after a debut verse on an album no less auspicious than Outkast’s Stankonia, this was a veteran artist taking stock, vividly drawing the lines between the struggling kid and the grateful, repentant adult. — Christopher R. Weingarten, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2024 The repentant Barbosa who was glad getting caught forced her to quit. — Lauren Smiley, WIRED, 10 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for repentant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repentant
  1. remorseful
  2. ashamed
  3. sorry
  4. penitent
  5. apologetic
  6. contrite
  7. regretful
Adjective
  • The 6-foot-3, 246-pound junior was remorseful after the game.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Olivier tortured himself over her condition, remorseful and exhausted.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of remorseful
Adjective
  • For a long time, Williams felt ashamed about having to use buy now, pay later for basic expenses.
    — Adriana Morga, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Zirin handily establishes that Zinn’s intention was to make readers feel empowered, not ashamed.
    — Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of ashamed
Adjective
  • Chances are, your local Trader Joe’s has a selection that’s just as gourd—sorry—good.
    — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026
  • And with lead performances like Mays’ and Hamilton’s, the production is — sorry to do this here — worth your visit.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of sorry
Adjective
  • Lingerie brands across the industry entered a phase of penitent marketing.
    — Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Having your biggest look also be your most penitent is a bold move, but it’s girded by Rome having put in years of work and collected plenty of horror stories to reflect on.
    — Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026
Definition of penitent
Adjective
  • Without becoming defensive or overly apologetic, respectfully reinforce that your decision has already been made.
    — Jasmine Johnson, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
  • After meeting at a society reception, Henry sets out to marry Henrietta, an endearingly clumsy, overly apologetic botanist with ambitions of discovering a new species of fern.
    — Air Mail, Air Mail, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of apologetic
Adjective
  • The veteran receiver, who joined the Commanders as a free agent in August, was contrite.
    — Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • On Sunday a contrite Brewster apologized.
    — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026
Definition of contrite
Adjective
  • Responses varied by age and gender, with the most regretful group being Gen Z women.
    — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Regina genuinely likes Louis, is regretful about getting loud with him, and after learning about Claudia feels sorry for him.
    — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of regretful

Browse Nearby Words

repentance
repentant
repented
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Repentant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repentant. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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