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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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 Galliano also emphasized that an exhibition or other public recognition could not substitute for accountability, describing atonement as an ongoing responsibility. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 31 Aug. 2026 In between getting ready for the new year and writing down your atonements, here are upcoming events to keep in mind — everything from a lively Shabbat geared toward young adults to a shopping event featuring local businesses. — Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026 Like an act of poetic atonement, America sent the great-great-great-great-grandson of a slave back, as a diplomat, to the country whence his ancestor had been kidnapped. — Anne Haley, Time, 11 Aug. 2026 For starters, there is one urgent mission the pope must take on the road to atonement. — Laura Washington, Mercury News, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for atonement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for atonement
  1. reparation
  2. forgiveness
Noun
  • Later, in 1711, the colony passed a legislative act to make reparations to the victims, including restoring the good names of the accused and paying financial retributions to the families of the accused.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
  • In other words, the suit claims that the reparations program illegally discriminates on the basis of race — in this case, discriminating against people who are not Black.
    — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of reparation
Noun
  • The play, written by Jessica Dickey, is a fictional exploration of a schoolhouse shooting in an Amish community, and how the community learns to provide forgiveness and compassion.
    — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The idea is to provide a pathway to student loan forgiveness for people who work in public service.
    — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of forgiveness

Browse Nearby Words

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 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on atonement

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about atonement

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