penance

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.

The new film is the director’s penance: an apologia to musical lovers who want to see the star do every inch of the dancing.

From Los Angeles Times

In mitigation, Carruthers' barrister Andrew Gurney said the mechanic from Wigton would carry the burden of regret for his "stupid act" as a "personal penance" for the rest of his life.

From BBC

Condemning someone to starve, burn, freeze and ache for ages out of arrogance deserves a definitive “sorry” that should kick off a penance marathon.

From Salon

Pope Leo XIV is a notable fan of the Chicago White Sox, a penance for sins if ever there was one.

From Salon

Concluding that Didion left these pages behind so they would eventually take shape as the penance of an unreliable narrator is surely too tidy.

From Salon