Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for penance. Search instead for penanci.
Definitions

penance

[pen-uhns] / ˈpɛn əns /


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.

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

As if doing penance for the past, all four of the film’s stars are associated with superhero franchises.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Williams’ Anna absorbs his fury as though it were the penance she herself would mete out for her sins.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2025

“Yes, yes, just sit down, Goddard. Your penance will be to shut up for a whole five minutes.”

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman




Vocabulary lists containing penance


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "penance" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com