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 once-promising prodigy will grow dissolute, remorseful and resentful of his wife, who outlives him.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The 6-foot-3, 246-pound junior was remorseful after the game.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 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
  • Ben Affleck clearly isn’t ashamed to be a third wheel with best friend Matt Damon and his wife.
    — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of ashamed
Adjective
  • The decline of Capra, in the wake of the Second World War, was a sorry spectacle.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Instead, families will relax in peace knowing the secret isn’t out on Noirmoutier (until now—sorry).
    — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Repentant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repentant. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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