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

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of remorse In private, some Republicans were left with buyer’s remorse. —

Philip Wegmann, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2025 Victims’ father Juan Carlos Rodriguez Sr., questioned Nangle’s remorse in court and the integrity of the investigation into his sons deaths. —

Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 4 Feb. 2025 The Dodgers are the polar opposite of those ’97 Marlins, showing no remorse over their ability to outspend everyone. —

Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025 After personally speaking with students, their remorse revealed that ignorance, rather than malice, was the culprit. —

Mark Treyger, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for remorse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for remorse

Noun

An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt: A 52-year-old woman from Naperville was arrested on two charges of vandalism at 11:54 a.m. Feb. 11 in the 700 block of Inland Circle.

— Steve Metsch, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
Jude uses that and other topical references to set the action in the tumultuous present, although the guilt Orsolya faces could happen at any moment in history.

— Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2025