Synonym Chooser

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

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 contrition All Your Faces > Sing Sing Jeanne Herry observes contrition among society’s criminals and their victims, a deeper dive than the incoherent sentimentality of Greg Kwedar’s incarceral black-Latino pity party. Armond White, National Review, 8 Jan. 2025 There have been plenty of opportunities for humility, sobriety, contrition. Martin McKenzie-Murray, SPIN, 7 Jan. 2025 If the ensuing cleanup operation wasn't going to be difficult enough, the cat's clear lack of regret and contrition made matters even worse. George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024 Only once did Watson show any type of contrition, which was in a pregame interview before his first preseason game as a member of the Browns. Jason Lloyd, The Athletic, 29 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for contrition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrition
Noun
  • Jones has admitted wrongdoing, expressed remorse and is pleading for probation, Cleveland.com reports.
    Sam Allard, Axios, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The unearthed audio, recorded while the couple lived together in London during the filming of the Disney+ series Loki’s second season, captured Majors expressing remorse.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The woman admitted her actions were fueled in part by guilt for having been duped by the scammer in the first place.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
  • After all, ditching an $8 bottle midway through feels a lot better than finishing a $60 bottle out of guilt.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The actor, who is currently starring in Riff Raff and The Friend, shared on The Howard Stern Show on Tuesday, March 25, that his biggest work regret is not making a comedy with Eastwood, 94.
    Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • And besides, there’s no place for regret in the documentary.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contrition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrition. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contrition

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