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

For all the shortcomings in this nationwide effort, most Germans today set an example of remorse that shames Turkish nationalist leaders equivocating about the Armenian genocide, or rightist Japanese politicians visiting the Yasukuni war shrine in Tokyo that honors Class A war criminals. —Gary J. Bass, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025

Inability to make eye contact could be interpreted as guilt or shame, while facial expressions contrary to the tone of the proceedings could be seen as cold or lacking remorse. —Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 5 Mar. 2025

In an email following the discussions, Cox allegedly confirmed that King expressed remorse and apologized after confirming the accusations. —Esther Kang, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025

The 24-year-old apologized to Smoke’s family in court, expressing remorse for his actions and regretting the life of the rapper, whose real name is Bashar Barakah Jackson. —Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 24 Feb. 2025