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penitent

[pen-i-tuhnt] / ˈpɛn ɪ tənt /


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.

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The penitent Magdalene was a popular subject in Artemisia’s day, and several versions of the painting exist.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 17, 2026

He’s genuflecting and appears penitent, it’s him with no public or private, shipwrecked in place in a way.

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 16, 2024

So then—can an inanimate tool such as this typewriter be penitent, reformed, and redeemed from the original sin of its creation?

From Slate Mar. 16, 2024

But it also happens to be Ash Wednesday, the solemn day of fasting and reflection that signals the start of Christianity’s most penitent season.

From Seattle Times Feb. 13, 2024

Following a stone wall in the dark, wrapped in his blanket, kneeling in the ashes like a penitent.

From "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy

The ceremonies see brotherhoods of “nazarenos,” or penitents, with tall conical hats, monkish robes and hoods carrying or escorting the magnificent carriages through ancient streets of cities and towns nationwide.

From Seattle Times Mar. 31, 2023

Known as La Madrugá, or The Dawn, the procession features penitents who wear pointed black hoods and carry a float of the Virgin of Hope of Macarena from the city's cathedral.

From Reuters Apr. 15, 2022

Ms. Atlani-Duault, the commission member, said the group had not carried out a quantitative analysis that would show how often penitents were steered toward confession when discussing sexual abuse.

From New York Times Nov. 7, 2021

Religious movements emerged in response to the plague as well, like the Flagellants: groups of penitents who roamed the countryside, villages, and towns whipping themselves and begging God for forgiveness.

From Textbooks Jan. 1, 2020

On Holy Thursday, I brought my pan and towels along with the other penitents for washing the feet of the parishioners at the door of the church.

From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez




Vocabulary lists containing penitent


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