atonement

noun

Definition of atonementnext
as in reparation
an act taken in order to redeem oneself He resolved to make atonement to those he had wronged by doing good deeds for them.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of atonement However, his big mistake ended up leading to a massive atonement on Thursday night with the selection of Downs. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026 As part of this act of atonement, four bulls and four heifers are slaughtered at the sanctuaries of the nymphs, and their bodies are left in a grove. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Apr. 2026 Only the high priest could enter there once a year to make atonement for the people. — Elizabeth Mata, Christian Science Monitor, 31 Mar. 2026 Every American should have a bad conscience about Afghanistan, but my obsession with getting them to a safe place doesn’t feel like atonement. — George Packer, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for atonement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for atonement
  1. reparation
  2. forgiveness
Noun
  • Ms Rachel pushes reparations quote in latest progressive political move.
    — , FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Understanding Caribbean history For Bousquet, the debate over reparations remains tied to how the Caribbean understands its own history, including slavery’s abolition and emancipation.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of reparation
Noun
  • Debt settlement, sometimes referred to as debt forgiveness, may be another option for borrowers who are struggling with substantial unsecured debt and cannot realistically repay the full amount.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Some federal loans sometimes also qualify for loan forgiveness, hardship relief, and deferment and forbearance options that can impact your repayment timeline.
    — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of forgiveness

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atone (for)
atonement
atonements
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Cite this Entry

“Atonement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atonement. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on atonement

Nglish: Translation of atonement for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about atonement

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