Synonyms for penitence
Most common
All synonyms
Noun
repentance, penance, contrition, remorse, regret, sorrow, compunction, atonement, rue, qualm, attrition, ruth dated
Definitions
- n. 1
The condition of being penitent; a feeling of regret or remorse for doing wrong or sinning.
Forms
- Plural
- penitences → repentances, penances, contritions, remorses…
Choose the right word
One is moved with penitence for wrong-doing. To speak of regret for a fault of our own marks it as slighter than one regarding which we should express penitence.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- remorse He has shown remorse for the unfortunate incident.
- repentance His face expresses deep sorrow and repentance.
- penance If rain fails there will be neither charity nor penance.
- contrition I have come to you in great contrition to atone for my sin.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| penitence | rising | |
| remorse | rising | |
| repentance | rising | |
| penance | rising | |
| contrition | rising |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 3 letters
- rue1
- 4 letters
- ruth1
- 5 letters
- qualm
- 6 letters
- regret2, sorrow2
- 7 letters
- remorse2, penance2
- 9 letters
- attrition3, atonement3
- 10 letters
- repentance3, contrition3
- 11 letters
- compunction3
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (regret2 = 2 syllables).