penance
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Starting in the fourth century, pilgrimages were served up by the church as a way for Christians to pay penance for their sins.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 25, 2026
Islamic fasting is oriented toward submission to divine will, while Christian penance is animated by gratitude for the incarnate God who suffered, died and rose again for the salvation of humanity.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 25, 2026
A breakfast that feels more like penance than possibility.
From Salon ● Mar. 17, 2026
A cold-weather salad wants heat at its core, something warm enough to soften the greens and make the whole bowl feel like actual food rather than penance.
From Salon ● Dec. 16, 2025
The depression that comes with fasting and strict penance deepened as Lent drew to its completion.
From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya
Vocabulary lists containing penance
Fahrenheit 451
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The Poet X
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The Joy Luck Club
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