as in remorse
a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing
we were moved to forgive by his tearful expressions of contrition
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Recent Examples of contrition
On Monday, Hochman submitted an 88-page court filing asking a judge to rescind the initial order for the re-sentencing hearing, arguing that the brothers have shown little contrition and are unwilling to take responsibility for the killings.
—
Peter D'abrosca, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025
Zuckerberg’s contrition – whether real, fake or somewhere in between – doesn’t really matter one way or the other, though.
—Rich Lowry, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Taylor Wilson: So really how is Gaetz responding here after this, Josh?
Josh Meyer:
There's not a lot of contrition there.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025
His legacy with the Heat is blown apart, beyond repair without at least unexpected contrition from him that his behavior has been stunningly unprofessional and a flat betrayal of the team paying him $48,798,677 this season.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrition
Peter D'abrosca, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025
Zuckerberg’s contrition – whether real, fake or somewhere in between – doesn’t really matter one way or the other, though.
—Rich Lowry, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Taylor Wilson: So really how is Gaetz responding here after this, Josh?
Josh Meyer:
There's not a lot of contrition there.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025
His legacy with the Heat is blown apart, beyond repair without at least unexpected contrition from him that his behavior has been stunningly unprofessional and a flat betrayal of the team paying him $48,798,677 this season.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contrition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrition
Noun
-
Other defendants also used their final words to express remorse.—
Thomas Adamson,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
-
The 47-year-old rapper and fashion mogul posted a series of messages on social media, asking for absolution while expressing a newfound stance of inclusivity and remorse.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
22 May 2025
Noun
-
An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt: A 23-year-old woman from Peoria was arrested on charges of burglary and retail theft at 4:42 p.m. May 21 at North Washington Street and East Ogden Avenue.—
Steve Metsch,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2025
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For Omer Shem Tov, among the last of the hostages to be released before the ceasefire collapsed in March, there is an ever-present feeling of guilt.—
Jeremy Diamond,
CNN Money,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
Why a fallen Thunderbird’s mom has no regrets The dangers of flying such complex formations are top of mind for crew members.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
24 May 2025
-
To be conscious of one’s regrets is proof of having lived an examined life.—
Sean Woods,
Rolling Stone,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contrition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contrition. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
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