atone

1 of 2

verb

ə-ˈtōn 

atoned; atoning

intransitive verb

: to make amends : to provide or serve as reparation or compensation for something bad or unwelcome

—usually + for

He wanted to atone for his sins.

But I think that he has within him a capacity for love, and an unselfishness, which almost atones for his dishonesty.

—Anthony Trollope

transitive verb

1

: to make reparation or supply satisfaction for : expiate

—used in the passive voice with for

a crime that must be atoned for

2

obsolete : reconcile

at one

2 of 2

phrase

: at harmony : in a state of agreement

Did you know?

Atone has its roots in the idea of reconciliation and harmony. It grew out of the Middle English phrase at on meaning “in harmony,” a phrase echoed in current expressions like “feeling at one with nature.” When atone joined modern English in the 16th century, it meant “to reconcile,” and suggested the restoration of a peaceful and harmonious state between people or groups. Today, atone specifically implies addressing the damage—or disharmony—caused by one’s own behavior.

Synonyms of atone

Verb

• compensate
• make amends for
• redeem
• repay
• correct
• make good for
• expiate

Examples of atone in a Sentence

Verb

tried to atone for forgetting their anniversary by giving his wife a truly extravagant gift

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The state and town have made efforts to atone for the atrocities over the past centuries. — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

In what might be Warner’s only good decision this year, the studio is atoning for its censorship sins by releasing a 4K restoration of the director’s original cut across cinemas. — Juan A. Ramírez, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2026

Phrase

For those who'd like to take in mountain views, the rolling hills of North Georgia are on full display from Lake Lanier, where guests can rent boats or spend a day at one of the marinas. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026

Months later, sitting at the dining room table in their Madison home, Helen, Bob, and Corey silently stared at one another. — Ron Farina, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, to become reconciled, from at on in harmony, from at + on one

First Known Use

Verb

1574, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Phrase

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for atone

• alone
• backbone
• bemoan
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• cheekbone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone
• dethrone

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Kids Definition

atone

verb

ə-ˈtōn 

atoned; atoning

: to do something to make up for a wrong that has been done