remorse

noun

re·morse ri-ˈmȯrs

Synonyms of remorse next

: a gnawing distress arising from a sense of guilt for past wrongs : self-reproach

obsolete : compassion

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.

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

Example Sentences

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 Mehta appeared persuaded by the remorse Harrelson expressed at sentencing. —

Quinn Owen, ABC News, 26 May 2023 Rakoczy also noted that Rhodes had shown no remorse for undermining the lawful transition of power and continued to advocate for political violence. —

Alan Feuer, BostonGlobe.com, 26 May 2023 In interviews, some of the members struggled to explain worldviews that had developed largely online, and expressed remorse. —

Shane Harris, Samuel Oakford and Chris Dehghanpoor, Anchorage Daily News, 13 May 2023 Only one, Jennifer Heineman — Gardner’s second cousin, who barely knew him but who used that spurious connection to amplify her attacks — exhibited some remorse and self-awareness. —

Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2023 Forty-five years later, Bradley expresses no remorse about not going to Pittsburgh, which continued its winning ways by notching another Super Bowl victory the season Bradley broke into the league with the Lions. —

Scott Talley, Detroit Free Press, 30 Apr. 2023 Prosecutors asked for at least five years and three months, and said Brown has never expressed any remorse for his actions. —

Phil Helsel, NBC News, 29 Apr. 2023 The new album largely picks up where Dangerous left off, with three dozen songs forming an arc that predominantly focuses on alcohol, heartbreak, dejection, and declarations of remorse over bad romantic decisions and bad habits, viewed through the hazy lens of more alcohol. —

Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 4 Mar. 2023 Indianapolis Star Warren Central showed little mercy and even less remorse in overpowering Pike 70-47 during this Indiana boys high school basketball game. —

Indy Star Sports, The Indianapolis Star, 22 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'remorse.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of remorse was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Remorse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/remorse. Accessed 9 Jul. 2023.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

remorse

noun

re·morse ri-ˈmȯ(ə)rs

: a deep regret coming from a sense of guilt for past wrongs : self-reproach

Etymology

Middle English remorse "a deep regret for having done wrong," from early French remors (same meaning), from Latin remorsus, noun derivative of remordēre "to bite again," from mordēre "to bite" — related to morsel

Word Origin

The Latin verb remordēre literally meant "to bite again." The Romans, however, usually used it with the meaning "to torment," because being tormented was like getting bitten again and again. A noun derivative of this verb is remorsus, which in early French was used to form the noun remors. This noun was used to refer to the deep regret that torments one for having done something wrong. In the 15th century, this French word was taken into English as remorse with the same meaning.