Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

act of contrition

British  

noun

  1. Christianity a short prayer of penitence

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

The whole idea of the Hague tribunal was as much an act of contrition for that failure as it was ambition for international justice.

From The Guardian • Nov. 22, 2017

A small act of contrition, perhaps, but one you may not have read about in the papers.

From BBC • May 16, 2017

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