as in remorse
a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing
his determination to make things right again was seen as a sign of his sincere contriteness
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contriteness
Noun
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Last month, Judge Sarah Willis granted a defense motion to allow for a lesser sentence, which was based on Desouza’s showing of remorse, young age, history of childhood trauma, and psychiatric issues.—
Shira Moolten,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026 -
Yet an outstanding cast, scripts that are perceptive about grief and remorse, and Hennie’s impressionistic directing more than make up for it.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Much of it is guilt by association — on the grounds, if nothing else, that elites should have known better than to associate with such a man.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
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The files are not findings of guilt, and some critics have raised concerns about releasing confidential and uncorroborated material concerning those who have not been charged with a crime.—
Ethan Varian,
Mercury News,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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It’s regarded as his greatest song ever, containing his favorite themes of violence, mortality, regret, and above all, loneliness, against the backdrop of the American wilderness.—
Angie Martoccio,
Rolling Stone,
13 Feb. 2026
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But that's definitely my big regret.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Contriteness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contriteness. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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