PENITENCES Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'penitence' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of penitence are compunction , contrition , remorse , and repentance . While all these words mean "regret for sin or wrongdoing," penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds. // absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

Q: Where would 'compunction' be a reasonable alternative to 'penitence'?

While in some cases nearly identical to penitence , compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing. // had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

Q: When could 'contrition' be used to replace 'penitence'?

The meanings of contrition and penitence largely overlap; however, contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence. // tearful expressions of contrition

Q: When can 'remorse' be used instead of 'penitence'?

While the synonyms remorse and penitence are close in meaning, 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

Q: In what contexts can 'repentance' take the place of 'penitence'?

The words repentance and penitence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change. // repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

penitence

noun

ˈpe-nə-tən(t)s

Definition of penitence

as in remorse

a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing the sincerity of the player's penitence is questionable—he began to express remorse only after the suspension was handed down

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How is the word penitence distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of penitence are compunction, contrition, remorse, and repentance. While all these words mean "regret for sin or wrongdoing," penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.

absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

Where would compunction be a reasonable alternative to penitence?

While in some cases nearly identical to penitence, compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.

had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

When could contrition be used to replace penitence?

The meanings of contrition and penitence largely overlap; however, contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.

tearful expressions of contrition

When can remorse be used instead of penitence?

While the synonyms remorse and penitence are close in meaning, 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

In what contexts can repentance take the place of penitence?

The words repentance and penitence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.

repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

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 penitence According to Vatican News, early Christians originally began preparing for Easter with just two days of fasting and penitence, which later turned into Holy Week. — Lianna Norman, Florida Times-Union, 16 Feb. 2026 It is preceded by Shrove Tuesday and marks the first day of Lent, the six weeks of penitence before Easter, which falls on April 20 this year. — Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2025 It was initially conceived as a time of fasting and penitence, not unlike Lent, during which observant Christians prepared themselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. — Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2024 In the justice system of early modern Europe, public executions offered a spectacle of both punishment and penitence. — Katrina Gulliver, JSTOR Daily, 13 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for penitence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penitence

Noun

Defense counsel Kalidass Murugayan said the student has been living in Singapore without family support and expressed deep remorse for his actions.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Venus and Saturn are opposing each other in your money houses (exact on August 21), which looks like possible buyer’s remorse, but will more likely show up in interpersonal contexts where the mutual exchange isn’t actually very mutual.

— Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026

Definition of remorse

Noun

There was so much depth to the story, as society has been dealing with the effects of loneliness, depression, feelings of regret, and the fear of being forgotten.

— Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
An undated text message, reportedly sent months later, hinted at Hernandez’s possible regret.

— Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 27 July 2026

Definition of regret

Noun

Portugal are stacked with world-class talent in midfield, and there is no shame in losing out on a spot to Vitinha, Bernardo Silva, Joao Neves or Bruno Fernandes.

— Elias Burke, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
The idea with the channels seems to be that making the secret, private shame of scrolling into a collaborative activity will give it a new place in the home.

— Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of shame

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“Penitence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penitence. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of penitence

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