Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

penance

[pen-uhns] / ˈpɛn əns /


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.

See Examples For:

Part of my penance was buying $50 worth of groceries for the house.

From Salon Jul. 3, 2026

A breakfast that feels more like penance than possibility.

From Salon Mar. 17, 2026

As if doing penance for the past, all four of the film’s stars are associated with superhero franchises.

From The Wall Street Journal Feb. 12, 2026

Williams’ Anna absorbs his fury as though it were the penance she herself would mete out for her sins.

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 15, 2025

These they take away and apply with devotion, like a healing penance from a priest.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein




Vocabulary lists containing penance


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training