REMORSE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of remorse are compunction , contrition , penitence , and repentance . While all these words mean "regret for sin or wrongdoing," 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 'compunction' a more appropriate choice than 'remorse'?

While in some cases nearly identical to remorse , compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing. // had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

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

The words contrition and remorse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence. // tearful expressions of contrition

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

The synonyms penitence and remorse are sometimes interchangeable, but penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds. // absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

Q: When might 'repentance' be a better fit than 'remorse'?

The words repentance and remorse can be used in similar contexts, but repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change. // repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

remorse

noun

ri-ˈmȯrs

Definition of remorse next

as in guilt

a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing he felt a deep remorse for having neglected his family over the years

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How is the word remorse distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of remorse are compunction, contrition, penitence, and repentance. While all these words mean "regret for sin or wrongdoing," 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 compunction a more appropriate choice than remorse?

While in some cases nearly identical to remorse, 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 remorse?

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

tearful expressions of contrition

When would penitence be a good substitute for remorse?

The synonyms penitence and remorse are sometimes interchangeable, but penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.

absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

When might repentance be a better fit than remorse?

The words repentance and remorse can be used in similar contexts, but repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.

repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of remorse Madison loves it that some moviegoers have remorse. —

Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024 Monday’s testimonies marked the second day of a trial already emotional for Riley’s friends and families, who have sat through recordings of her 911 call as well as stories of Ibarra's lack of concern or remorse following his arrest. —

Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024 Jackson showed little remorse for the victims of his violent attacks, which infuriated McManus. —

Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 7 Nov. 2024 Perhaps to assuage the concerns of some Arab and Muslim Trump voters who may be having buyer's remorse, Trump recently appointed Massad Boulos, the Lebanese billionaire and his daughter's father-in-law, as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. —

Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for remorse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for remorse

Noun

Helping children ‘get it right’ moves away from shame and guilt and toward feelings of positive self-worth and capability.

Kelsey Mora, Contributor, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2024
By one hand, he is bound to himself, to his impiety, his recklessness, his envy and pride, his guilt and spite.

Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024