penitential

American  

[pen-i-ten-shuhl] / ˌpɛn ɪˈtɛn ʃəl /

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, proceeding from, or expressive of penitence or repentance.

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noun

1. a penitent.

2. a book or code of canons relating to penance, its imposition, etc.

penitential British  

/ ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. of, showing, or constituting penance

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noun

1. RC Church a book or compilation of instructions for confessors

2. a less common word for penitent penitent

Other Word Forms

• penitentially adverb
• unpenitential adjective
• unpenitentially adverb

Etymology

Origin of penitential

1500–10; < Medieval Latin pēnitēntiālis, Late Latin paenitēntiālis. See penitent, -ial

Example Sentences

Weeks later, during the penitential Yom Kippur prayers in a small Berlin synagogue, Rosenzweig reversed his decision.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

In 2022, Pope Francis made a "penitential pilgrimage" across Canada, where he offered an apology to local tribal leaders.

From BBC • Nov. 15, 2025

It also marks the beginning of the penitential Lenten season.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2024

It’s the last gasp of fun before the penitential season of Lent begins.

From Washington Post • Feb. 28, 2022

In the humblest strain of penitential confession, he proceeds to offer and present himself to God through the merits of Jesus Christ.

From Fletcher of Madeley by Macdonald, Frederic W.