contriteness

noun

as in remorse
a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing his determination to make things right again was seen as a sign of his sincere contriteness

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 contriteness Recently, however, pride has partly given way to contriteness as President Emmanuel Macron, aware of France’s legacy as a former heavy-handed empire, has attempted to make amends for mistakes during the country’s imperial past. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contriteness
  1. remorse
  2. guilt
  3. regret
Noun
  • Rabbi Joshua Davidson of Congregation Emanu-El, a Reform synagogue in New York, likewise said he was convinced by Galliano’s statements of remorse and his efforts to educate himself about Judaism and the Holocaust.
    — Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
  • After 25 years, juveniles sentenced to life in prison are entitled to a sentence review, where a judge considers modifying a defendant’s sentence — and weighs evidence of a defendant’s rehabilitation, maturity, remorse and background.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of remorse
Noun
  • Ricky Anderson entered what is known as an Alford plea, acknowledging that prosecutors had enough evidence to support a conviction without admitting guilt.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Graf also reiterated that his ruling was not a definitive finding of guilt, which will have to be determined by a jury during a future trial.
    — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • Even with a bushy beard, Branagh’s face offers a window to Nick’s life of regrets and his sudden wild hope.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • One of her biggest regrets, in fact, is not sharing her story sooner, says Wootten.
    — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of regret

Browse Nearby Words

contrite
contriteness
contrition
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Cite this Entry

“Contriteness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contriteness. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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