CONTRITION Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'contrition' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of contrition are compunction , penitence , remorse , and repentance . While all these words mean "regret for sin or wrongdoing," contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence. // tearful expressions of contrition

Q: When might 'compunction' be a better fit than 'contrition'?

The synonyms compunction and contrition are sometimes interchangeable, but compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing. // had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

Q: When would 'penitence' be a good substitute for 'contrition'?

The meanings of penitence and contrition largely overlap; however, penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds. // absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

Q: When is 'remorse' a more appropriate choice than 'contrition'?

The words remorse and contrition can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'repentance' instead of 'contrition'?

In some situations, the words repentance and contrition are roughly equivalent. However, repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change. // repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

contrition

noun

kən-ˈtri-shən

Definition of contrition next

as in remorse

a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing we were moved to forgive by his tearful expressions of contrition

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How is the word contrition distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of contrition are compunction, penitence, remorse, and repentance. While all these words mean "regret for sin or wrongdoing," contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.

tearful expressions of contrition

When might compunction be a better fit than contrition?

The synonyms compunction and contrition are sometimes interchangeable, but compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.

had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

When would penitence be a good substitute for contrition?

The meanings of penitence and contrition largely overlap; however, penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.

absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

When is remorse a more appropriate choice than contrition?

The words remorse and contrition can be used in similar contexts, but 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 it sensible to use repentance instead of contrition?

In some situations, the words repentance and contrition are roughly equivalent. However, repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.

repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

Examples 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 contrition Their contrition, however, was far from the end of the matter. —

Patrick Frater, Variety, 9 Sep. 2024 Fans hoping for accountability or contrition are likely to be disappointed. —

Judy Berman, TIME, 24 Sep. 2024 Cameron Lewellen, a Black father of three from Georgia who voted for Trump in 2016 and Biden in 2020, told NPR that he was offended by Trump’s statements about Harris’s ethnicity and was concerned that the former President had offered no contrition about January 6th. —

Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 20 Sep. 2024 However, a contingent of fans also defended Monét while clapping back at those campaigning against Brown’s popularity and success, pointing to his staying power and in spite of the ill will against him and his contrition regarding his past missteps. —

Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 3 Sep. 2019 See all Example Sentences for contrition

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrition

Noun

Consumers will no longer need to fear misinformation or suffer from buyer’s remorse over life insurance policies that don’t fully meet their needs.

Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
Biden framed the decision as a crucial step in restoring dignity and opportunity to those who have shown remorse and made efforts toward rehabilitation.

Shamim Chowdhury, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024