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

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 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 Putin has demonstrated on multiple occasions over the nearly three-year-old war that escalation, not contrition, is his method of choice when the Russian military is pushed into a corner. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contrition

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrition

Noun

Victims’ father Juan Carlos Rodriguez Sr., questioned Nangle’s remorse in court and the integrity of the investigation into his sons deaths.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 4 Feb. 2025
The Dodgers are the polar opposite of those ’97 Marlins, showing no remorse over their ability to outspend everyone.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025