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penitence

[pen-i-tuhns] / ˈpɛn ɪ təns /


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

As with an estimated 10 million other Mexicans who will make their way to the basilica this month, their journey had been an act of faith, of penitence, and of thanks.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025

"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

For Mr. Diamond, a practicing Catholic, another deadline was also looming: This year, Valentine’s Day happens to fall on Ash Wednesday, customarily devoted to penitence and fasting.

From New York Times • Feb. 14, 2024

I saw them gradually worn down, whimpering, groveling, weeping—and in the end it was not with pain or fear, only with penitence.

From "1984" by George Orwell




Vocabulary lists containing penitence


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