penitential

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 penitential The practices were somewhat penitential, but not as intense as those of Lent, and the spirit was much more preparation than penance. WSJ, 4 Jan. 2024 The church released a statement on its website Thursday saying that, due to the desecration of the altar, Abbot Elijah Owens and the monastic community will undertake the penitential rite, reparation for the desecration and offer a Mass of Reparation. Monica Brich, Arkansas Online, 7 Jan. 2023 Throughout Lent—the penitential season prior to Easter, which for the Orthodox is this Sunday—Ukrainian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, and Ukrainian Greek Catholic bishops, metropolitans, clergy, and scholars have been consumed with the issues of the war. Paul Elie, The New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2022 The choir – split into two groups to accommodate social distancing – offers four works that touch on penitential themes. oregonlive, 22 Mar. 2022 See All Example Sentences for penitential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penitential
Adjective
  • When in the presence of God, one is meant to assume a penitent air.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
  • But in the intervening months, Mr. Santos has struggled to maintain that penitent posture.
    Grace Ashford, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Before their sentencing, Roger and Nigh were deeply apologetic.
    Emma Moon July 16, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2025
  • In the clip, Kardashian, Watts, and Nash-Betts can be seen holding an introductory meeting with an overwhelmed and apologetic client, played by Elizabeth Berkley.
    Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Over these last weeks, however, I have been nudged into a repentant apology by his profound take on our political crisis and a sincere and accurate Christian analysis of the problems and deliberate practical steps the individual Christian citizen can take during this holy season.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Moore gives one of her quietest performances as repentant cowboy Kiefer’s former lover, Mary Alice.
    Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • How did so many Germans become contrite about the Nazi past?
    Gary J. Bass, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Van Buren returns shortly with a newly contrite attitude, having come around to his library’s merits and read up on Toth’s prior designs in Hungary.
    Anthony Paletta, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Officers said Neal was remorseful during interviews.
    Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 July 2025
  • Central to his sentencing was whether Santos truly felt remorseful.
    Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Penitential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penitential. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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