repentance

noun

re·​pen·​tance ri-ˈpen-tᵊn(t)s 

: the action or process of repenting especially for misdeeds or moral shortcomings

Synonyms

• contriteness
• contrition
• guilt
• penitence
• regret
• remorse
• remorsefulness
• rue
• self-reproach
• shame

Choose the Right Synonym for repentance

penitence, repentance, contrition, compunction, remorse mean regret for sin or wrongdoing.

penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.

absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.

repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.

tearful expressions of contrition

compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.

had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

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

Examples of repentance in a Sentence

preached that repentance was the first step on the path of redemption

Recent Examples on the Web

While holding Wallace’s left hand, the detective led a prayer about thanks and repentance, guidance and forgiveness, and Wallace began to cry. —Michael Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025

Playing Emilia, who finds love and dedicates her life to helping the victims of cartel violence as a form of repentance, demanded a subtler touch. —Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Jan. 2025

Many Koreans lament that Japan needs to be more like Germany and show sincere repentance for its wartime actions, something like West German Chancellor Willy Brandt’s falling to his knees at a memorial for the Jewish ghetto in Warsaw. —Jeffrey W. Hornung, Foreign Affairs, 13 Jan. 2015

In the meantime, this aggressively revisionist supermarket, as indicated in Butler’s novel, has become part pharmacy, part a site of repentance for past consumption. —Harmony Holiday, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

repentance

noun

re·​pen·​tance ri-ˈpent-ᵊn(t)s 

: the action or process of repenting especially for one's sins