PENITENT Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

penitent

adjective

ˈpe-nə-tənt

Definition of penitent

as in ashamed

feeling sorrow for a wrong that one has done a penitent gossip who had come to ask for forgiveness

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of penitent It is flanked on all sides by footlong rulers (emblazoned, like the yardsticks, with an assortment of penitent phrases including YES, SISTER and NO, SISTER) marking the hours. — Alex Jovanovich, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026 When in the presence of God, one is meant to assume a penitent air. — Literary Hub, 20 June 2025 For his part, the boy is quiet and seems penitent, making the cell a calming refuge for Dean within an institution unofficially ruled by a cutthroat mini mob boss, Freddie (Ishay Lalosh). — Judy Berman, Time, 2 May 2025 Your penitent correspondent humbly submits that the whole ritual has jumped the shark in Northeast Ohio. — Sam Allard, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for penitent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penitent

Adjective

For a long time, Williams felt ashamed about having to use buy now, pay later for basic expenses.

— Adriana Morga, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Zirin handily establishes that Zinn’s intention was to make readers feel empowered, not ashamed.

— Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of ashamed

Adjective

That’s all before setting aside the time to manage a fantasy football roster, oversee a gambling hobby, or make sure you’re fully briefed for the next all-hands—sorry, hangout—at the bar.

— Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Skin care picks to pamper your complexion Swapping out your skin care for thicker, richer formulas in fall and winter is a prime example (sorry, had to do it) of working smarter, not harder.

— Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of sorry

Adjective

Johnson wrote in a letter in the filing to the Illinois review board that Hoover is repentant and has the potential and the desire to live the rest of his life as a force for good in his community.

— Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025
Perry had been reluctant to engage with recovery groups in the past, which are often structured around repentant confessions.

— Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 4 Aug. 2025

Definition of repentant

Adjective

Without becoming defensive or overly apologetic, respectfully reinforce that your decision has already been made.

— Jasmine Johnson, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
After meeting at a society reception, Henry sets out to marry Henrietta, an endearingly clumsy, overly apologetic botanist with ambitions of discovering a new species of fern.

— Air Mail, Air Mail, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of apologetic

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penitence

penitent

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“Penitent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/penitent. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of penitent

adjective

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