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

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

Example 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 Regrets are common enough after lives are lost — when the cost of conflict is staring you right in the face, dead-eyed and countless — and yet this specific contrition persists long before the ships crash, the arrows fly, and the dragons roar. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 June 2026 Host Andy Cohen repeatedly presses her throughout Part 3 about the heavy toll of her actions, and Amanda can’t seem to muster an ounce of genuine contrition. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 10 June 2026 In response, Peters thanked Polis, apologized and expressed contrition. — Mark Barabak, Mercury News, 28 May 2026 Both expressed contrition about the incident. — Sean Gregory, Time, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for contrition

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrition

Noun

But what ultimately saves the film is Hathaway's remarkable restraint in conveying Kym's deep pain and remorse over an unimaginable family tragedy.

— Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
Visits by Japanese leaders frequently draw criticism from China and South Korea, which see them as a sign of insufficient remorse for Japan’s wartime aggression.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of remorse

Noun

Amid the chatter about comeuppance, the celebrity blogger’s sister said that her brother is a good person who has expressed regret over the tone of some of his early-career scandals.

— Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
Cuba's Foreign Ministry reacted that the expulsion involved 10 officials — not nine as the Dominicans had stated — and expressed regret over the decision by Dominican President Luis Abinader.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of regret

Browse Nearby Words

contriteness

contrition

contrivance

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“Contrition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrition. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of contrition

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