penitence

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.

What I’ve learned from them during this shared season of penitence has strengthened my conviction that non-Muslims need to learn about Islam and get beyond the stereotypes and misconceptions of both the left and right.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

"This Christmas, God's Church itself needs to come again to the manger and strip off her finery and kneel in penitence and adoration. And be changed," he said.

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2024

It was initially conceived as a time of fasting and penitence, not unlike Lent, during which observant Christians prepared themselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2024

It would be nice if these men would reflect on how they lost their way, but the good news is that we don't need their penitence.

From Salon • Sep. 6, 2023

The show was up for two months, and when it came down, I carried my crates to a vacant lot and burned them in penitence for my undeserved success.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris