Word Games Pro Dictionary

penitentiary

adjective noun

showing or constituting penance

Quick reference

Word Facts

Word length
12
Starts with
P
Ends with
Y
Contains
EN
Scrabble score
17
Database source
OEWN 2025 Core

How it sounds

Pronunciation

ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəɹi

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Audio Pronunciation

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Meaning

Definitions

adjective

  1. showing or constituting penance

    “penitential tears”

adjective

  1. used for punishment or reform of criminals or wrongdoers

    “penitentiary institutions”

noun

  1. a correctional institution for those convicted of major crimes

In context

Example Sentences

penitential tears
wrote a penitential letter apologizing for her hasty words
penitentiary institutions

Similar words

Synonyms

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