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remorse

noun
re·​morse | \ ri-ˈmȯrs How to pronounce remorse (audio) \

Definition of remorse

1 : a gnawing distress arising from a sense of guilt for past wrongs : self-reproach
2 obsolete : compassion
Other Words from remorse Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about remorse

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Choose the Right Synonym for remorse

penitence, repentance, contrition, compunction, remorse mean regret for sin or wrongdoing. penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds. absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change. repentance accompanied by a complete change of character contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence. tearful expressions of contrition compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing. had no compunctions about taking back what is mine remorse suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied. thieves untroubled by feelings of remorse

Did You Know?

In Latin, mordere means "to bite;" thus, remorse is something that "gnaws" at you over and over. In criminal court, judges are always looking for signs that a convicted felon is suffering remorse for his crime; if not, the judge may well lengthen his sentence or deny him parole after serving part of it. Remorse is stronger than mere regret; real remorse is the kind of thing that may last a lifetime.

Examples of remorse in a Sentence

I could forgive him for what he did if he showed some remorse. he felt a deep remorse for having neglected his family over the years

Recent Examples on the Web

 Despite expressing remorse over joining the terror group, Letts, 24, is now believed to have had his British citizenship revoked, sparking a diplomatic row with Canada. — Matthew Robinson, CNN, "ISIS suspect 'Jihadi Jack' has been stripped of his UK citizenship, officials say," 18 Aug. 2019 The remorse is specifically over t-shirts with designs suggesting regions including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are independent territories, rather than part of China. — Marc Bain, Quartzy, "Why fashion brands are rushing to apologize in China," 12 Aug. 2019 Beware buyer’s remorse Prime Day is all about impulse purchases. — Abha Bhattarai, The Denver Post, "Amazon’s Prime Day: 5 things to know before you shop," 14 July 2019 Beware buyer’s remorse Prime Day is all about impulse purchases. — Abha Bhattarai, Washington Post, "Amazon’s Prime Day: 5 things to know before you shop," 14 July 2019 Sometimes players who receive huge deals can give teams a case of buyer’s remorse, while other moments feature a role player who fit one system really well but doesn’t quite prosper in a new environment. — Khadrice Rollins, SI.com, "Buyer Beware: Five Free Agents to Think Twice About," 25 June 2019 In a spontaneous act of remorse Brandt went on his knees to honour those killed by the Nazi regime in the uprising of the Warsaw ghetto. — Quartz Africa, "Even after acknowledging the Namibia genocide of WWI, Germany still hasn’t learned the key lesson," 10 Aug. 2019 Hyde expressed remorse both Wednesday and Friday about speaking with Davis in the dugout rather than in a more covered area such as the tunnel leading to the team clubhouse. — Nathan Ruiz, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles GM Mike Elias says Chris Davis incident won’t affect first baseman’s future with organization," 9 Aug. 2019 To answer your question, though, yes, hurting someone's feelings -- even with no ill intent -- always gets a genuine note of remorse. — Carolyn Hax, oregonlive.com, "Carolyn Hax: Should sister-in-law apologize for spilling the divorce beans?," 31 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'remorse.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of remorse

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for remorse

Middle English, from Anglo-French remors, from Medieval Latin remorsus, from Late Latin, act of biting again, from Latin remordēre to bite again, from re- + mordēre to bite — more at mordant

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More Definitions for remorse

remorse

noun
How to pronounce remorse (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of remorse

: a feeling of being sorry for doing something bad or wrong in the past : a feeling of guilt

See the full definition for remorse in the English Language Learners Dictionary

remorse

noun
re·​morse | \ ri-ˈmȯrs How to pronounce remorse (audio) \

Kids Definition of remorse

: deep regret for doing or saying something wrong She felt a pang of remorse after yelling.

Other Words from remorse

remorseful \ -​fÉ™l \ adjective
remorseless \ -​lÉ™s \ adjective

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More from Merriam-Webster on remorse

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with remorse

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for remorse

Spanish Central: Translation of remorse

Nglish: Translation of remorse for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of remorse for Arabic Speakers

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