IMPENITENT Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

impenitent

adjective

(ˌ)im-ˈpe-nə-tənt

Definition of impenitent

as in ruthless

not sorry for having done wrong an impenitent criminal who said he'd do it all over again, given the chance

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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 impenitent For her part, having faced such criticism for over four decades, Newkirk remains blissfully impenitent. — Jan Dutkiewicz, Vox, 8 Aug. 2024 Among the various allegations put forward are reports of drugging and fascist group chats, slave labour and foot photograph farms, with the brand’s impenitent founder Stephan Marsan at its centre. — Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 12 Apr. 2024 But they were also imbued with a sense of impenitent joy that was paramount to the show. — Tara Gonzalez, Harper's BAZAAR, 21 June 2023

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impenitent

Adjective

She is described as brusque, cantankerous, ruthless — and also a killer.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Such ruthless prioritization produced some admirable results.

— Julianne Smith, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of ruthless

Adjective

In response to legislation to end the cruelty once and for all, the Daily News once again trotted out its old and tired defense of this cruel, deadly and outdated industry.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026
Policing cringe is the cruelest métier of the internet—the origin of harassment campaigns and platforming of contempt.

— Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of cruel

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impenitence

impenitent

imperative

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“Impenitent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impenitent. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of impenitent

adjective

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