Penitence is sincere regret for wrong or evil things that you have done.
Synonyms: repentance, shame, regret, sorrow More Synonyms of penitence
penitence in American English
(ˈpɛnɪtəns)
noun
the state of being penitent; repentance
SYNONYMY NOTE: penitence implies sorrow over having sinned or done wrong; , repentance implies full realization of one's sins or wrongs and a will to change one's ways;, contrition implies a deep, crushing sorrow for one's sins, with a true purpose of amendment;, compunction implies a pricking of the conscience and therefore suggests a sharp but passing feelingof uneasiness about wrongdoing; , remorse implies a deep and torturing sense of guilt; , regret may refer to sorrow over any unfortunate occurrence as well as over a fault or actof one's own
Word origin
OFr < L paenitentia
Examples of 'penitence' in a sentence
penitence
It's a bit late for penitence, isn't it - from either of us?
Aldiss, Brian SOMEWHERE EAST OF LIFE (1989)
Michael shot her a reproving glance, so she covered her mouth in mock penitence.
Maupin, Armistead MORE TALES OF THE CITY (1989)
(noun)
She hung her head in mock penitence.
Synonyms
repentance
They showed no repentance during their trial.
shame
I was, to my shame, a coward.
regret
He has no regrets about retiring.
sorrow
It was a time of great sorrow.
remorse
She has shown no remorse for her actions.
contrition
She is full of contrition and has vowed to change her ways.
compunction
I had no compunction about stealing from my parents.
self-reproach
ruefulness
Additional synonyms
in the sense of compunction
Definition
a feeling of guilt or regret
I had no compunction about stealing from my parents.
Synonyms
guilt,
misgiving,
qualm,
scruples,
regret,
reluctance,
sorrow,
remorse,
repentance,
contrition,
penitence,
stab or sting of conscience,
work out
in the sense of contrition
She is full of contrition and has vowed to change her ways.
Synonyms
regret,
sorrow,
remorse,
repentance,
compunction,
penitence,
self-reproach
in the sense of regret
Definition
a feeling of repentance, guilt, or sorrow
He has no regrets about retiring.
Synonyms
remorse,
compunction,
self-reproach,
pang of conscience,
bitterness,
repentance,
contrition,
penitence,
ruefulness
Nearby words of
penitence
penetration
peninsula
penis
penitence
penitent
penmanship
pennant
Synonyms of 'penitence'
penitence
Explore 'penitence' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of remorse
Definition
a sense of deep regret and guilt for something one did
She has shown no remorse for her actions.
Synonyms
regret,
shame,
guilt,
pity,
grief,
compassion,
sorrow,
anguish,
repentance,
contrition,
compunction,
penitence,
self-reproach,
pangs of conscience,
ruefulness,
bad or guilty conscience
in the sense of shame
Definition
a painful emotion resulting from an awareness of having done something wrong or foolish
I was, to my shame, a coward.
Synonyms
embarrassment,
humiliation,
chagrin,
ignominy,
compunction,
mortification,
loss of face,
discomfiture,
abashment,
shamefacedness
in the sense of sorrow
Definition
deep sadness or regret, associated with death or sympathy for another's misfortune