penitence
noun
pen·i·tence
ˈpe-nə-tən(t)s 
: the quality or state of being penitent : sorrow for sins or faults
Forgiveness requires penitence.
Synonyms
Examples of penitence in a Sentence
the sincerity of the player's penitence is questionable—he began to express remorse only after the suspension was handed down
Recent Examples on the Web
In the justice system of early modern Europe, public executions offered a spectacle of both punishment and penitence.
—
Katrina Gulliver, JSTOR Daily, 13 Mar. 2023
Some could bring only fear, and the probability of future fear was dependent on the probability of past fear, as well as on the parent’s over-all chance of penitence.
—Weike Wang, The New Yorker, 11 July 2024
Especially at this time of year, when mismatches on the power play — at 6-foot-4, Nichushkin blots out the sun as well as opposing goalies’ vision — can often mean the difference between parades and penitence.
—Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 14 May 2024
In many religions, the sacrifice of hair can signal penitence.
—Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2023
See all Example Sentences for penitence 
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Katrina Gulliver, JSTOR Daily, 13 Mar. 2023
Some could bring only fear, and the probability of future fear was dependent on the probability of past fear, as well as on the parent’s over-all chance of penitence.
—Weike Wang, The New Yorker, 11 July 2024
Especially at this time of year, when mismatches on the power play — at 6-foot-4, Nichushkin blots out the sun as well as opposing goalies’ vision — can often mean the difference between parades and penitence.
—Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 14 May 2024
In many religions, the sacrifice of hair can signal penitence.
—Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2023
See all Example Sentences for penitence
Dictionary Entries Near penitence
Cite this Entry
“Penitence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penitence. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
penitence
noun
pen·i·tence
ˈpen-ə-tən(t)s
: sorrow for one's sins or faults : repentance
penitent
adjective
-tənt
penitently
adverb
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