repentance

noun

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

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
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 That visit genuinely happened (the devout Chisholm believed in forgiveness…and repentance), but Ridley hits a wrong note by staging the encounter as if the two were old college chums. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 Mar. 2024 The Jewish holiday, which begins this year on the evening of Sept. 24, is considered the holiest day of the year — a time of deep introspection, fasting and repentance, which Jews have traditionally honored by spending the day in synagogue in a collective act of prayer, meditation and atonement. —Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2023 The survivors' forgiveness and the perpetrators' repentance showcased the true meaning of strength and redemption, demonstrating the human spirit's capacity for forgiveness and renewal. —The Sorenson Impact Institute, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 The significance of Ash Wednesday lies in its association with repentance, reflection and preparation for the Easter season. —Maeghan Dolph, Fox News, 14 Feb. 2024 Ash Wednesday encompasses the commencement of Lent, the symbolic acknowledgment of human mortality, a call to repentance and the spiritual preparation for the celebration of Easter. —Maeghan Dolph, Fox News, 14 Feb. 2024 The tradition is recognized by Christians from many denominations, and marks the beginning of the holy season of Lent, a time for reflection and repentance in preparation for the celebration of Easter. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2024 Ash Wednesday is traditionally a day of prayer and fasting (and for some, abstinence from meat) to initiate the Lenten period of repentance and preparation. —Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 12 Feb. 2024 Ash Wednesday – also known as the Day of Ashes – is a day of repentance and fasting, when Christians, especially Catholics, confess their sins and profess their devotion to God. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 30 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'repentance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

repent

repentance

repentant

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Repentance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repentance. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.

Copy Citation

Share

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

Nglish: Translation of repentance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of repentance for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about repentance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See All

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Absent Letters That Are Heard Anyway
See All

Popular in Wordplay

See All

The Words of the Week - Apr. 19

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

A Great Big List of Bread Words

10 Scrabble Words Without Any Vowels

12 More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See All

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game You can make only 12 words. Pick the best ones!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A crossword with a twist
winning words from the national spelling bee logo
Spelling Bee Quiz Can you outdo past winners of the National Spelli...