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.
There are the shamefaced former members, who confess their gullibility as a kind of penance; there are the cockamamie claims on which the belief system is based.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
“I write to make amends,” she reflects, describing a lifetime of studying Cuba as a kind of penance for what she calls being “the chosen one” that spring day in 1963.
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 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
They straddle the line between indulgence and wellness, pleasure and penance.
From Salon • May 19, 2025
Preemptive penance and absolution were doctrines researched and developed by the Consistorial Court, but not known to the wider Church.
From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman
Vocabulary lists containing penance
Fahrenheit 451
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Poet X
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Joy Luck Club
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
