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

Following his absence, Marte addressed reporters in the clubhouse, seemingly atoning for his frequent requests for off-days and an absence that left the club scrambling. — Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Massey atoned for his mistake quickly, hitting a single to right field in the fifth and then crushing the go-ahead homer in the 7th. — Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026

Phrase

Officers say six firearms were recovered at one of their homes, including the one stolen in Miami Springs. — Chelsea Jones, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

In addition, students at one school by the zone are learning remotely on Friday because of race preparations. — Liam Scott, Washington Post, 21 Aug. 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