atonement

noun

atone·​ment ə-ˈtōn-mənt 

1

: reparation for an offense or injury : satisfaction

a story of sin and atonement

He wanted to find a way to make atonement for his sins.

2

: the reconciliation of God and humankind through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ

3

obsolete : reconciliation

Examples of atonement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The person receives the opportunity for atonement; the consequence is assigned elsewhere. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026

The holiday, starting Friday night, marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, leading up to Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement. — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Lazy is a character judgment requiring atonement, while apathy is a syndrome requiring treatment. — Michael P.h. Stanley, STAT, 10 Sep. 2026

Many Jewish people spend the day in synagogue services, reciting prayers in atonement. — Bailey Allen, The Providence Journal, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see atone

First Known Use

1513, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for atonement

• dethronement
• enthronement
• postponement

Kids Definition

atonement

noun

atone·​ment ə-ˈtōn-mənt 

1

: the return to a state of love and harmony between God and human beings through the death of Jesus Christ

2

: something that makes up for an offense or injury