pen·ance
ˈpe-nən(t)s 
1
: an act of self-abasement, mortification (see mortification sense 3), or devotion performed to show sorrow or repentance for sin
He did charitable work as a penance.
2
: a sacramental rite that is practiced in Roman, Eastern, and some Anglican churches and that consists of private confession, absolution, and a penance directed by the confessor (see confessor sense 3a)
3
: something (such as a hardship or penalty) resembling an act of penance (as in compensating for an offense)
who go on cheap camping trips instead of real vacations as a kind of penance—
Judith Thurman
Judith Thurman
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How Should You Use penance?
Penance as a form of apology for a mistake can be either voluntary or ordered by someone else. Many religions include penance among the ways in which believers can show repentance or regret for a misdeed. The Christian season of Lent, 40 days long, is traditionally a time for doing penance.
Examples of penance in a Sentence
Noun
He did charitable work as a penance.
Recent Examples on the Web
Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40-day period in which Christians worldwide observe a period of reflection, prayer and penance.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
According to the records, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Simon Mepham, had enacted penance on Fitzpayne after it was discovered that Forde had been her lover.
—Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 5 June 2025
The turmoil surrounding the museum’s direction ultimately seemed to be less about major alterations to the space than about a shift in emotional tone, a movement away from celebration and toward something like penance.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for penance
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Noun
So, really, my meal wasn’t completely without penance.
—Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40-day period in which Christians worldwide observe a period of reflection, prayer and penance.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
According to the records, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Simon Mepham, had enacted penance on Fitzpayne after it was discovered that Forde had been her lover.
—Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 5 June 2025
The turmoil surrounding the museum’s direction ultimately seemed to be less about major alterations to the space than about a shift in emotional tone, a movement away from celebration and toward something like penance.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for penance
Cite this Entry
“Penance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penance. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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