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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Recent Examples of penitence
Some could bring only fear, and the probability of future fear was dependent on the probability of past fear, as well as on the parent’s over-all chance of penitence.
—
Weike Wang, The New Yorker, 11 July 2024
Especially at this time of year, when mismatches on the power play — at 6-foot-4, Nichushkin blots out the sun as well as opposing goalies’ vision — can often mean the difference between parades and penitence.
—Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 14 May 2024
In many religions, the sacrifice of hair can signal penitence.
—Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2023
An attempt by one German activist to shift attention to Russia’s current war showed just how ingrained the traditional focus on World War II penitence has become.
—Ekaterina Bodyagina, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for penitence
Weike Wang, The New Yorker, 11 July 2024
Especially at this time of year, when mismatches on the power play — at 6-foot-4, Nichushkin blots out the sun as well as opposing goalies’ vision — can often mean the difference between parades and penitence.
—Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 14 May 2024
In many religions, the sacrifice of hair can signal penitence.
—Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2023
An attempt by one German activist to shift attention to Russia’s current war showed just how ingrained the traditional focus on World War II penitence has become.
—Ekaterina Bodyagina, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for penitence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for penitence
Noun
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Other defendants also used their final words to express remorse.—
Thomas Adamson,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
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The 47-year-old rapper and fashion mogul posted a series of messages on social media, asking for absolution while expressing a newfound stance of inclusivity and remorse.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
22 May 2025
Noun
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For Omer Shem Tov, among the last of the hostages to be released before the ceasefire collapsed in March, there is an ever-present feeling of guilt.—
Jeremy Diamond,
CNN Money,
28 May 2025
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An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt: A 23-year-old woman from Peoria was arrested on charges of burglary and retail theft at 4:42 p.m. May 21 at North Washington Street and East Ogden Avenue.—
Steve Metsch,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2025
Noun
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Why a fallen Thunderbird’s mom has no regrets The dangers of flying such complex formations are top of mind for crew members.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
24 May 2025
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To be conscious of one’s regrets is proof of having lived an examined life.—
Sean Woods,
Rolling Stone,
24 May 2025
Noun
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That means having the courage to say what needs to be said—without blame, without shame and always with the intention to help.—
Jaide Massin,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
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But when the nights are long and your world has shattered, just having something to talk to without shame or fear, can be the difference between falling apart and holding on.—
Thomas Westerholm,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penitence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penitence. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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