CONTRITION Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'contrition' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of contrition are compunction , penitence , remorse , and repentance . While all these words mean "regret for sin or wrongdoing," contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence. // tearful expressions of contrition

Q: When might 'compunction' be a better fit than 'contrition'?

The synonyms compunction and contrition are sometimes interchangeable, but compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing. // had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

Q: When would 'penitence' be a good substitute for 'contrition'?

The meanings of penitence and contrition largely overlap; however, penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds. // absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

Q: When is 'remorse' a more appropriate choice than 'contrition'?

The words remorse and contrition can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'repentance' instead of 'contrition'?

In some situations, the words repentance and contrition are roughly equivalent. However, repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change. // repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

contrition

noun

kən-ˈtri-shən

Definition of contrition next

as in remorse

a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing we were moved to forgive by his tearful expressions of contrition

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How is the word contrition distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of contrition are compunction, penitence, remorse, and repentance. While all these words mean "regret for sin or wrongdoing," contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.

tearful expressions of contrition

When might compunction be a better fit than contrition?

The synonyms compunction and contrition are sometimes interchangeable, but compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.

had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

When would penitence be a good substitute for contrition?

The meanings of penitence and contrition largely overlap; however, penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.

absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

When is remorse a more appropriate choice than contrition?

The words remorse and contrition can be used in similar contexts, but 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

When is it sensible to use repentance instead of contrition?

In some situations, the words repentance and contrition are roughly equivalent. However, repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.

repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

Examples 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 contrition In a rare moment of contrition, Kanye later issued an apology to the Jewish community in Dec. 2023. —

Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 8 Aug. 2024 Most likely, though, the lack of contrition stems from the IT sector’s longstanding struggle to relate in a more personalized and less robotic way with the general public. —

Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 20 July 2024 There’s just a little ramp for a little bit of contrition, some forgiveness, and the beginnings of rebuilding it all. —

Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2024 Sunak dropped his attempts at contrition and became tetchy and confrontational instead. —

Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 29 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for contrition

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrition

Noun

Of course, Billy is devastated by the deaths this led to, showing true remorse.

Erik Kain, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Strapped to the execution table with IV lines in place, Dearman expressed his remorse to the families of his victims, who were also present.

Abigail Brooks, NBC News, 18 Oct. 2024