Synonyms for penance

noun

1. Voluntary punishment

   mortification, purgation, repentance, retribution, compensation, self-imposed atonement, self-flagellation, fasting, suffering, expiation, paenitentia (Latin), Beichte (German), sackcloth and ashes, hair shirt, inward penance, outward penance, reparation; see also punishment.

2. A sacrament

   repentance, penitence, confession, absolution, sorrow for sin, contrition, remorse, forgiveness for sin; see also repentance, sacrament.