act of contrition
Britishnoun
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.
The work is an act of contrition for mistakes he initially made and a deeply felt caution to all who report and read breaking news.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2025
“Ultimately, actions will speak louder than words but this initial act of contrition is welcome.”
From Seattle Times • Dec. 26, 2023
If the prime minister calculated that the act of contrition would be enough to keep restive ministers and lawmakers in line, he was wrong.
From New York Times • Jul. 5, 2022
In its purest form, saying sorry should be an "act of contrition, a realisation that something you have said or done has hurt someone and you want to make amends", says psychologist Geraldine Joaquim.
From BBC • Jan. 18, 2018
He made his act of contrition and listened as Father Mulrooney gave his sacramental absolution.
From "The Dead and the Gone" by Susan Beth Pfeffer
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.