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.
He returns home in beggar’s clothes with a plan to pay penance to the scores of souls he unjustly sent to the underworld.
From Salon ● Jul. 21, 2026
Islamic fasting is oriented toward submission to divine will, while Christian penance is animated by gratitude for the incarnate God who suffered, died and rose again for the salvation of humanity.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 25, 2026
“If anything he had some kind of remorse and was on his penance campaign. Part of resolving himself was helping with noble endeavors,” Tramo said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 12, 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
“Yes, yes, just sit down, Goddard. Your penance will be to shut up for a whole five minutes.”
From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman
Vocabulary lists containing penance
Fahrenheit 451
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The Poet X
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The Joy Luck Club
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