REMORSEFUL Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

remorseful

adjective

ri-ˈmȯrs-fəl

Definition of remorseful

as in ashamed

feeling sorrow for a wrong that one has done was remorseful about all the trouble that he had caused in the family

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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 remorseful In the arbitration hearing, the woman who hit me was crying and very remorseful. — Literary Hub, 5 June 2026 Peters doesn’t appear especially remorseful. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 18 May 2026 In the wake of Kirk’s murder, and the high-profile punishments incurred by those who weren’t properly remorseful, Kirk morphed into one of the most widespread memes in recent memory. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2026 Horner did not seem remorseful in the interview, Espinoza said. — Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for remorseful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for remorseful

Adjective

By shutting down conversations or not answering kids' questions, Chambers said, parents can unintentionally send the message that periods and puberty are something to be ashamed of.

— Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 8 July 2026
She would be horrified, hurt—ashamed, even, of Zeenat’s behavior.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026

Definition of ashamed

Adjective

This is Ian coming into contact with me through the cosmos and saying, ‘Look, sorry for taking your name.

— Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026
The following selections span the gambit from absorbent coasters to rattan coasters to high-quality pieces that are only occasionally dishwasher-safe—sorry.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2026

Definition of sorry

Adjective

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
That’s interesting because there’s not been a case being made for going back in, just a lot of regretful noises.

— Mishal Husain, Bloomberg, 22 May 2026

Definition of regretful

Adjective

Instead of trying to hide the battery pack behind oversized body panels, the Streetdog integrates it into the overall silhouette in a way that feels deliberate rather than apologetic.

— Utkarsh Sood June 27, New Atlas, 27 June 2026
Palmer was immediately apologetic, though her family was already laughing.

— Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026

Definition of apologetic

Adjective

Johnson wrote in a letter in the filing to the Illinois review board that Hoover is repentant and has the potential and the desire to live the rest of his life as a force for good in his community.

— Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025
Perry had been reluctant to engage with recovery groups in the past, which are often structured around repentant confessions.

— Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 4 Aug. 2025

Definition of repentant

Adjective

In his speech to the Spanish parliament Monday, Leo framed the right of the church to keep priest-penitent conversations confidential as a matter of freedom of religion.

— Suman Naishadham, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Schwimmer expressed skepticism over West’s Wall Street Journal ad, which contains penitent statements that the rapper has not offered in any live interviews or other public appearances.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 7 Apr. 2026

Definition of penitent

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“Remorseful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remorseful. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of remorseful

adjective

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