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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for remorse

Noun

His act of sacrifice was a culmination of his guilt over not doing enough to help June before.

— Abigail Lee, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025
Woman Cuts Off Sister Following Fight Over $60,000 Inheritance from Their Dad — Who's Still Alive Most Redditors agreed that the woman should keep her legal share of the money — and not feel the slightest bit of guilt about it.

— Toria Sheffield, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025

Definition of guilt

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.

Cite this Entry

Style

“Remorse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remorse. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 19 Apr 2025 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of remorse

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on remorse

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

slough

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

Popular in Wordplay

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

'Blue Moon,' 'Wolf Moon,' and Other Moons to Look for Throughout the Year

Popular

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Games & Quizzes

Synonyms of remorse

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on remorse

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

slough

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

Popular in Wordplay

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

'Blue Moon,' 'Wolf Moon,' and Other Moons to Look for Throughout the Year

Popular

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Games & Quizzes