pen·ance
ˈpe-nən(t)s 
1
: an act of self-abasement, mortification (see mortification sense 3), or devotion performed to show sorrow or repentance for sin
He did charitable work as a penance.
2
: a sacramental rite that is practiced in Roman, Eastern, and some Anglican churches and that consists of private confession, absolution, and a penance directed by the confessor (see confessor sense 3a)
3
: something (such as a hardship or penalty) resembling an act of penance (as in compensating for an offense)
who go on cheap camping trips instead of real vacations as a kind of penance—
Judith Thurman
Judith Thurman
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How Should You Use penance?
Penance as a form of apology for a mistake can be either voluntary or ordered by someone else. Many religions include penance among the ways in which believers can show repentance or regret for a misdeed. The Christian season of Lent, 40 days long, is traditionally a time for doing penance.
Examples of penance in a Sentence
Noun
He did charitable work as a penance.
Recent Examples on the Web
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
Some scholars have likened the process to a kind of public penance.
—Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2024
Her actions, scars and sick tattoos provide unspoken clues about Momma’s upbringing, rebellion and penance.
—Courtney Howard, Variety, 17 Sep. 2024
And in the old Catholic tradition, every Friday was a day of penance.
—Kaity Kline, NPR, 13 Sep. 2024
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Noun
The hot priest advises Eddie to earn forgiveness and stop punishing himself and then suggests that Eddie do something joyful after his penance.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
Some scholars have likened the process to a kind of public penance.
—Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2024
Her actions, scars and sick tattoos provide unspoken clues about Momma’s upbringing, rebellion and penance.
—Courtney Howard, Variety, 17 Sep. 2024
And in the old Catholic tradition, every Friday was a day of penance.
—Kaity Kline, NPR, 13 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for penance
Dictionary Entries Near penance
Cite this Entry
“Penance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penance. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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