contrite

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.

On “Folded,” Kehlani toggles between contrite and commanding, weaving her vocals around a guitar line that moves like a Slinky tumbling down a staircase.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

Spence may have been contrite, but Frank was then left facing more questions about the defender's reaction to being substituted in the 3-0 loss at Nottingham Forest in December.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

But he had a starring role in the opening ceremony of the competition on Wednesday night, standing contrite before the assembled grinning beauty queens where he offered an apology.

From Barron's • Nov. 6, 2025

When I spoke to him on the phone on Tuesday morning, Buscaglia was contrite about his mistakes, but not his methods.

From Slate • May 21, 2025

The police brought the somewhat contrite young men and the dead couple’s five-year-old orphan boy before my grandfather, who was a highly regarded judge and a man of impeccable reputation.

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini