REMORSE Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'remorse' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of remorse are compunction , contrition , penitence , and repentance . While all these words mean "regret for sin or wrongdoing," remorse suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied. // thieves untroubled by feelings of remorse

Q: When is 'compunction' a more appropriate choice than 'remorse'?

While in some cases nearly identical to remorse , compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing. // had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

Q: When is it sensible to use 'contrition' instead of 'remorse'?

The words contrition and remorse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence. // tearful expressions of contrition

Q: When would 'penitence' be a good substitute for 'remorse'?

The synonyms penitence and remorse are sometimes interchangeable, but penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds. // absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

Q: When might 'repentance' be a better fit than 'remorse'?

The words repentance and remorse can be used in similar contexts, but repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change. // repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

remorse

noun

ri-ˈmȯrs

Definition of remorse next

as in guilt

a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing he felt a deep remorse for having neglected his family over the years

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How is the word remorse distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of remorse are compunction, contrition, penitence, and repentance. While all these words mean "regret for sin or wrongdoing," remorse suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied.

thieves untroubled by feelings of remorse

When is compunction a more appropriate choice than remorse?

While in some cases nearly identical to remorse, compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.

had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

When is it sensible to use contrition instead of remorse?

The words contrition and remorse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.

tearful expressions of contrition

When would penitence be a good substitute for remorse?

The synonyms penitence and remorse are sometimes interchangeable, but penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.

absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

When might repentance be a better fit than remorse?

The words repentance and remorse can be used in similar contexts, but repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.

repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of remorse Godoy appeared to have no remorse for the attack that left the woman fearing for her life, Haltom City police said. —

Christina Coulter, Fox News, 3 Jan. 2025 Other men have expressed no such remorse, instead treating the girls like trading cards and bragging about their access to them, The Times found by monitoring Telegram channels and other communications. —

Jennifer Valentino-Devries, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024 Reeves apologized during his sentencing hearing, saying he was consumed by remorse. —

Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2024 Plenty of TikTok users lauded Zola's mischievous behavior and highlighted her lack of remorse. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for remorse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for remorse

Noun

An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt: A 21-year-old man from Naperville was arrested on a warrant at 7:25 p.m. Jan. 11 in the 800 block of Springhill Circle.

— Steve Metsch, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
Cortland agreed to a consent decree in the case, which will resolve any claims against the company without admission of guilt, according to the Justice Department’s news release.

— Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 13 Jan. 2025