repentance

noun

re·​pen·​tance ri-ˈpen-tᵊn(t)s How to pronounce repentance (audio)
: the action or process of repenting especially for misdeeds or moral shortcomings
Choose the Right Synonym for repentance

penitence, repentance, contrition, compunction, remorse mean regret for sin or wrongdoing.

penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.

absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.

repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.

tearful expressions of contrition

compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.

had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

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

Examples of repentance in a Sentence

preached that repentance was the first step on the path of redemption
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Many Koreans lament that Japan needs to be more like Germany and show sincere repentance for its wartime actions, something like West German Chancellor Willy Brandt’s falling to his knees at a memorial for the Jewish ghetto in Warsaw. Jeffrey W. Hornung, Foreign Affairs, 13 Jan. 2015 In the meantime, this aggressively revisionist supermarket, as indicated in Butler’s novel, has become part pharmacy, part a site of repentance for past consumption. Harmony Holiday, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024 The purpose of Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is to practice forgiving others and repentance for one’s sins against God. Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 11 Oct. 2024 Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, which are 10 days of introspection and repentance that lead into Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement and the most sacred holiday for Jewish people. Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for repentance 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of repentance was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near repentance

Cite this Entry

“Repentance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repentance. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

repentance

noun
re·​pen·​tance ri-ˈpent-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce repentance (audio)
: the action or process of repenting especially for one's sins

More from Merriam-Webster on repentance

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