PENITENTIAL Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

penitential

adjective

Definition of penitential

as in penitent

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Recent Examples of penitential This year, the start of Ramadan is expected around the same time as Ash Wednesday, a solemn day of fasting and reflection that signals the start of Lent, the most penitential season of the church calendar for Catholics and many other Christians. — Mariam Fam, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026 In contrast to the penitential nature of Lent, Easter is a festive period that lasts for fifty days, culminating with the feast of Pentecost. — Nadia Cantú, AZCentral.com, 3 Feb. 2026 When this occurs, public worship is suspended until a penitential rite is performed to restore the sanctity of the church. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025 During the litigation of the case, Thompson said an issue arose as to whether the pastors’ testimony would be allowed under a Kansas statute that allows penitential communication between religious leaders and church-goers to remain private. — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for penitential

Recent Examples of Synonyms for penitential

Adjective

Lingerie brands across the industry entered a phase of penitent marketing.

— Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Having your biggest look also be your most penitent is a bold move, but it’s girded by Rome having put in years of work and collected plenty of horror stories to reflect on.

— Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026

Definition of penitent

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

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

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penitent

penitential

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

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Synonyms of penitential

adjective

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