remorse

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 Strickland is far from the only one expressing buyer’s remorse. Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2025 The store owners later took to Instagram to express her gratitude and remorse for jumping to conclusions about Maxi's intentions, sharing the video that has now been viewed more than 2.3 million times. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 In a statement provided to the judge handling his case, the father of three expressed remorse for his actions. Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 20 Feb. 2025 The court did also note Hwang’s expressions of remorse. Ali Rampling, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for remorse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for remorse
Noun
  • Even those who retain their jobs may deal with survivor’s guilt or anxiety over future job cuts.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Casey Anthony’s guilt is essentially settled fact among true crime fans.
    Aja Romano, Vox, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In every scene, he's being devoured by regret, torn apart about doing the right thing, and simmering with an existential anxiety that could blow at any second.
    EW.com, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
  • For the past year, the Brooklyn Center for Theater Research—a theatrical collective with downtown cool—has been immersed in an evolving production of Uncle Vanya, Anton Chekhov’s timeless study of regret, inertia and longing.
    Darryn King, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The production has a lot of recorded sound and this has its issues; some of the language therein is inaudible, which is a shame, albeit something easily corrected.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025
  • First off, there’s no shame in losing your bibliophilic gusto at some point.
    Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Remorse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remorse. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on remorse

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