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.

His penance is to “pass, like night, from land to land,” repeating his story: “And till my ghastly tale is told, / This heart within me burns.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

The new film is the director’s penance: an apologia to musical lovers who want to see the star do every inch of the dancing.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2025

In mitigation, Carruthers' barrister Andrew Gurney said the mechanic from Wigton would carry the burden of regret for his "stupid act" as a "personal penance" for the rest of his life.

From BBC • Jul. 15, 2025

They straddle the line between indulgence and wellness, pleasure and penance.

From Salon • May 19, 2025

It was shaped like an Aturan penance piece, but it gleamed silver in the moonlight.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss