Contrite
Contrite adjective - Feeling sorrow for a wrong that one has done.
Usage example: being contrite is not enough to spare you an arrest if you're caught shoplifting
Penitent is a synonym for contrite in regretful topic. In some cases you can use "Penitent" instead an adjective "Contrite", when it comes to topics like remorseful, behaviour, sorry, regret. popular alternative
Nearby Words: contrition, contritely
Penitent
Penitent adjective - Feeling sorrow for a wrong that one has done.
Usage example: a penitent gossip who had come to ask for forgiveness
Contrite is a synonym for penitent in repentant topic. You can use "Contrite" instead an adjective "Penitent", if it concerns topics such as behaviour, regretful, remorseful, regret. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Cite this Source
Penitent and Contrite. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 29, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/contrite/penitent
Contrite & Penitent. N.p., 2016. Web. 29 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/contrite/penitent>.
Penitent or Contrite. 2016. Accessed July 29, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/contrite/penitent.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "contrite" and "penitent" have occurred on timeline