REMORSES 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

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

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 remorse On the other hand, detective Paul Johnson, who wrung out false confessions from the four boys, never expresses any remorse. — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2026 Defense Attorney Gabrielle Biggs also cited Rosado’s lack of a serious criminal history, his apparent remorse and his decision to plead guilty without requiring the victim to testify during a pretrial deposition, per the outlet. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026 The Black women assaulting Clark and Cunningham feel no remorse. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026 The defense attorney said her client feels immense remorse for what both his family and Styles’ family have been through. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for remorse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for remorse

Noun

Four suspects pleaded guilty, including mastermind David Voss, and Benji admitted guilt and had his case administered through a First Nations restorative justice program, while charges against two were dropped, CityNews notes.

— Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Paxton did not have to admit guilt, but was required to pay $300,000 in restitution and complete community service.

— Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of guilt

Noun

Those patterns eventually point to no-regrets moves and larger strategic shifts.

— Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of regret

Noun

Meizlish told the Washington Examiner that prior attempts to shame countries doing business with Iran, including China, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, had fallen flat.

— Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026
And that's a shame, because the US could arguably use more cars like this, not fewer.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of shame

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“Remorse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remorse. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of remorse

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