Meaning & use
Penitential
Last updated
Relating to or expressing penitence, sorrow, or repentance for wrongdoing.
See it in a sentence
The monks observed a penitential fast during the weeks before Easter.
His penitential letter admitted every mistake he had made.
A note on using this word
The word is closely tied to religious practice; the "Penitential Psalms" are a traditional set of seven psalms used in Christian rites of repentance.
Words with a similar meaning
repentantcontrite
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
unrepentantimpenitent
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