remorse

noun

ri-ˈmȯrs How to pronounce remorse (audio)
Definition of remorsenext
as in guilt
a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing he felt a deep remorse for having neglected his family over the years

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word remorse distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of remorse are compunction, contrition, penitence, and repentance. While all these words mean "regret for sin or wrongdoing," remorse suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied.

thieves untroubled by feelings of remorse

When is compunction a more appropriate choice than remorse?

While in some cases nearly identical to remorse, compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.

had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

When is it sensible to use contrition instead of remorse?

The words contrition and remorse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.

tearful expressions of contrition

When would penitence be a good substitute for remorse?

The synonyms penitence and remorse are sometimes interchangeable, but penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.

absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

When might repentance be a better fit than remorse?

The words repentance and remorse can be used in similar contexts, but repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.

repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

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 remorse Many people on Wall Street are also suffering from buyer’s remorse. —John Cassidy, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025 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 Related Articles Clarence Page: Donald Trump’s labeling dilemma Clarence Page: Voters’ remorse? —Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025 Yet many voters who elected Suharto’s ex-son-in-law Prabowo Subianto in 2024 are suffering some serious buyer's remorse. —William Pesek, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for remorse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for remorse
  1. guilt
  2. regret
  3. shame
Noun
  • Dina got to be with him, Dina got to spend that last day with him, and there's a lot of guilt and regret on Ellie's part.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Families who lose a loved one are prone to mental health deficits such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety, compounded by feelings of guilt, self-blame, shame, and condemnation, often resulting in social isolation.
    — William Mullane, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • 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
  • The challenge is ensuring this vibe doesn’t tip into financial regret.
    — Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of regret
Noun
  • People give me hate and shame about that all the time.
    — Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Once a marker of shame for many children of South Asian immigrants, hair oiling has filtered into beauty trends on social media.
    — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of shame

Browse Nearby Words

remonstrations
remorse
remorseful
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Remorse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remorse. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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