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Definitions

repentance

[ri-pen-tns, -pen-tuhns] / rɪˈpɛn tns, -ˈpɛn təns /
NOUN
feeling bad for past action
Synonyms
STRONGEST
contrition grief guilt penitence regret remorse sorrow
STRONG
attrition compunction conscience contriteness rue ruth self-reproach sorriness
WEAK
penitency
Antonyms
STRONGEST
happiness satisfaction

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.

So that ashen cross proves an appropriate start to Lent’s season of repentance: a time to get things right in your life.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

The frail Jones expressed regret for his past and Lee decided to believe his repentance was sincere.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2025

But it is recovery, with its repentance and hope of redemption, that is the most prominent theme of “Scene.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

The race is held the day before the start of Lent, the Christian period of repentance and sacrifice before Easter.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 13, 2024

It was a survival thing: he didn’t answer back, didn’t say anything about job security for prison guards, debate the nature of repentance, rehabilitation, or rates of recidivism.

From "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman