Categories: GeneralSynonyms

RUEFUL: Synonyms and Related Words. What is Another Word for RUEFUL?

Need another word that means the same as “rueful”? Find 12 synonyms and 30 related words for “rueful” in this overview.

The synonyms of “Rueful” are: contrite, remorseful, ruthful, sorrowful, regretful, apologetic, sorry, shamefaced, sheepish, hangdog, repentant, penitent

Rueful as an Adjective

Definitions of "Rueful" as an adjective

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “rueful” as an adjective can have the following definitions:

  • Expressing sorrow or regret, especially in a wry or humorous way.
  • Feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses.

Synonyms of "Rueful" as an adjective (12 Words)

apologeticExpressing or showing regretful acknowledgement of an offence or failure.
An apologetic note.
contriteFeeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses.
A contrite tone.
hangdogFrightened into submission or compliance.
The hangdog look of a condemned man.
penitentFeeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds.
A penitent expression.
regretfulFeeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone.
Regretful over mistakes she had made.
remorsefulFeeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses.
The defendant was remorseful for what he had done.
repentantExpressing or feeling sincere regret and remorse; remorseful.
He is truly repentant for his incredible naivety and stupidity.
ruthfulFull of compassion or pity; compassionate; merciful. Also as noun (with the with plural agreement): those people who are compassionate or merciful.
shamefacedShowing a sense of guilt- Eric Linklater.
Cheerfully bearing reproaches but shamefaced at praise.
sheepishLike or suggestive of a sheep in docility or stupidity or meekness or timidity.
A sheepish grin.
sorrowfulFeeling or showing grief.
A sorrowful tale of death and despair.
sorryFeeling regret or penitence.
I felt sorry for the poor boys working for him.

Usage Examples of "Rueful" as an adjective

  • She gave a rueful grin.

Associations of "Rueful" (30 Words)

apologeticConstituting a formal defence or justification of a theory or doctrine.
She was very apologetic about the whole incident.
apologizeAcknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing.
We apologize to him for our error.
atonementThe act of atoning for sin or wrongdoing (especially appeasing a deity.
He submitted his resignation as an act of atonement.
bemoanExpress discontent or sorrow over (something.
It was no use bemoaning her lot.
compunctionA feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad.
They used their tanks without compunction.
confessConfess to a punishable or reprehensible deed usually under pressure.
I damaged your car she confessed.
confessionThe religious body or Church sharing a confession of faith.
She still had not been to confession.
confessorA priest who hears confessions and gives absolution and spiritual counsel.
If one prisoner confesses and implicates the other the confessor will go free as a reward.
contriteFeeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses.
A contrite tone.
contritionThe state of feeling remorseful and penitent.
Prayers of contrition.
culpritA person who is responsible for a crime or other misdeed.
The car s front nearside door had been smashed in but the culprits had fled.
forgiveStop blaming or grant forgiveness.
I was willing to forgive all her faults for the sake of our friendship.
penanceImpose a penance on.
He had done public penance for those hasty words.
penitenceRemorse for your past conduct.
A public display of penitence.
penitentFeeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds.
A penitent expression.
penitentialRelating to or expressing penitence or penance.
Wrote a penitential letter apologizing for her hasty words.
regretExpress with regret.
I always regretted that I never trained.
regretfulFeeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone.
Felt regretful over his vanished youth.
regretfullyWith regret (used in polite formulas.
He sighed regretfully.
remorseA feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed.
They were filled with remorse and shame.
remorsefulFeeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses.
The defendant was remorseful for what he had done.
repentTurn away from sin or do penitence.
He repented of his action.
repentanceThe action of repenting; sincere regret or remorse.
Each person who turns to God in genuine repentance and faith will be saved.
repentantExpressing or feeling sincere regret and remorse; remorseful.
He is truly repentant for his incredible naivety and stupidity.
rueBitterly regret (something one has done or allowed to happen) and wish it undone.
Tears of pitying rue.
scepticA person who doubts the truth of Christianity and other religions; an atheist.
scrupleRaise scruples.
He lied and did not even scruple about it.
sinCommit a sin violate a law of God or a moral law.
The human capacity for sin.
sinnerA person who sins (without repenting.
God forgives repentant sinners.
sorryFeeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone.
A sorry excuse.
Alexei

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