penitential

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.

Weeks later, during the penitential Yom Kippur prayers in a small Berlin synagogue, Rosenzweig reversed his decision.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

In 2022, Pope Francis made a "penitential pilgrimage" across Canada, where he offered an apology to local tribal leaders.

From BBC • Nov. 15, 2025

It also marks the beginning of the penitential Lenten season.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2024

Watching “The Ballad of Emmett Till,” though, comes across less as an exercise in powerful theater than as a penitential act.

From Washington Post • Oct. 14, 2022

On one occasion, it is related, he preached a penitential sermon, and introduced so many illustrations of terror that he soon brought his hearers to their knees.

From The Little Gleaner, Vol. X. A Monthly Magazine for the Young by Various