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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Many people on Wall Street are also suffering from buyer’s remorse.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2025
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The Major Systems Check Out A new home that turns out to be an unexpected money pit is among the top causes of buyer’s remorse.—
Berit Thorkelson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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His act of sacrifice was a culmination of his guilt over not doing enough to help June before.—
Abigail Lee,
Variety,
8 Apr. 2025
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Woman Cuts Off Sister Following Fight Over $60,000 Inheritance from Their Dad — Who's Still Alive Most Redditors agreed that the woman should keep her legal share of the money — and not feel the slightest bit of guilt about it.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Even if a Super Bowl never came for the duo of Martin and Smith, something both acknowledged as their only regret from their respective careers, each played a pivotal role in maintaining the storied tradition of the Dallas offensive line.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Apr. 2025
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Meanwhile, Odom told PEOPLE in 2019 of his deep regret at cheating on his ex-wife.—
Michael Nied,
People.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
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People give me hate and shame about that all the time.—
Anna Moeslein,
Glamour,
15 Apr. 2025
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But that’s an allegory for his trauma, PTSD, guilt and shame.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Penitence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penitence. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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