Synonyms of remorse

remorse

noun

ri-ˈmȯrs 

as in guilt

a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing

he felt a deep remorse for having neglected his family over the years

Synonyms & Similar Words

• guilt
• regret
• shame
• remorsefulness
• contrition
• repentance
• penitence
• sadness
• grief
• sorrow
• self-reproach
• contriteness
• anguish
• rue
• compunction
• apology
• blame
• culpability
• qualm
• responsibility
• embarrassment
• scruple
• misgiving
• distress
• chagrin
• prick
• fault
• ruth
• excuses
• liability
• rap
• bloodguilt
• hand-wringing
• bloodguiltiness
• mea culpa

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• impenitence
• remorselessness

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

Recent Examples of remorse

But voters’ remorse alone can’t explain the extraordinary response to Weil thus far, which is manifesting through turnout among Democratic voters along with record-breaking contribution numbers. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2025

Rick is absolutely suffering from buyer’s remorse, very obviously regretting the ugliness his and Stuart’s break from Black & Associates has caused between the two firms. —Ayan Artan, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2025

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