contrition

noun

kən-ˈtri-shən How to pronounce contrition (audio)
Definition of contritionnext
as in remorse
a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing we were moved to forgive by his tearful expressions of contrition

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 Joel Quenneville returned to hockey Thursday with contrition. —Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025 Prosecutors cited Gutierrez-Reed's lack of contrition during the trial as one reason to impose the maximum sentence. —Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 23 May 2025 Kiefer’s visceral oeuvre – spanning monumental paintings, sculptures, installations, woodcuts, artists’ books, works on paper, and films – confronts his childhood amid the rubble and contrition of postwar Germany. —Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 The stewards still looked dimly on the matter despite noting his contrition, fining him €10,000 with €5,000 being suspended for 12 months. —Luke Smith, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contrition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrition
  1. remorse
  2. guilt
  3. regret
Noun
  • Known for their efficiency and lack of remorse, the duo will kill anyone as long as the price is right.
    — Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 14 July 2025
  • Awarding his character the poetry of remorse undercuts Vic’s arc as an animal that Quilla only thought was capable of love.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 July 2025
Definition of remorse
Noun
  • There's a lot of guilt … a ton of fear, but there's also deep gratitude.
    — Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
  • Wood sent to prison after violating probation A Jan. 1, 2010, incident — five months after his initial probation ended — led to an admission of guilt by Wood.
    — Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of guilt
Noun
  • Something Beautiful is an album of soaring regret and fantasy, a pivot into the themes of late youth.
    — Armin Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
  • Filled with grief, shame and regret after being confronted, Shalla-Bal flies off into space, leaving Earth.
    — Keith Langston, People.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of regret

Browse Nearby Words

contriteness
contrition
contrivance
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Cite this Entry

“Contrition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrition. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of contrition for Spanish Speakers

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