repentance

noun

ri-ˈpen-tᵊn(t)s How to pronounce repentance (audio)
Definition of repentancenext
as in remorse
a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing preached that repentance was the first step on the path of redemption

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word repentance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of repentance are compunction, contrition, penitence, and remorse. While all these words mean "regret for sin or wrongdoing," repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.

repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

When could compunction be used to replace repentance?

In some situations, the words compunction and repentance are roughly equivalent. However, 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 repentance?

The words contrition and repentance are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.

tearful expressions of contrition

When is penitence a more appropriate choice than repentance?

The words penitence and repentance can be used in similar contexts, but penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.

absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

When can remorse be used instead of repentance?

Although the words remorse and repentance have much in common, 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

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 repentance The charges against Gao relate to artistic works that China's authorities claim insulted revolutionary figures, including a 2009 statue called Mao’s Guilt, which shows the former leader and founder of modern China as kneeling in repentance. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 The charges against Gao relate to artistic works that China’s authorities claim insulted revolutionary figures, including a 2009 statue called Mao’s Guilt, which shows the former leader and founder of modern China as kneeling in repentance. — Huizhong Wu, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Barber advocated repentance for political inaction on issues such as poverty and racial discrimination and urged intersectional activism to defend democratic values. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026 The woman’s love and affection, as well as her genuine repentance, won his absolution of her sins. — Eric Bashor, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for repentance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repentance
  1. remorse
  2. guilt
  3. regret
  4. shame
Noun
  • The supremely overconfident Graver finally shows some remorse for the damage their dirty work has inflicted on innocent lives.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The judge also weighed mitigating factors, including that Molloy was experiencing difficult personal circumstances, stopped of his own volition and had shown genuine remorse.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of remorse
Noun
  • Assane proclaims his innocence, but everything points to his guilt.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Maduro called the allegations false, while his wife, Cilia Flores, also denied guilt.
    — Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • There is nothing left in the tank, and there are no regrets in my heart.
    — Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • What galls, perhaps, is less the accident itself than the absence of a person stepping out from behind the wheel, having a human experience of horror and regret.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of regret
Noun
  • The French gêne par procuration delegates discomfort, while the German Fremdschämen means foreign shame.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • While the imposing box set itself is a portable 12-pound film school and an instant status symbol on your shelf, there’s no shame in clicking over for a preview.
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of shame

Browse Nearby Words

repent
repentance
repentant
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on repentance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about repentance

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