atoned; atoning
: 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
Anthony Trollope
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.
Examples of atone in a Sentence
tried to atone for forgetting their anniversary by giving his wife a truly extravagant gift
Recent Examples on the Web
Japan’s brutal occupation of parts of China before and during World War II remains a sore point, with Beijing accusing Tokyo of failing to atone for its past.
—Afp, Fortune, 30 June 2025
Throughout Stone’s and Wilson’s comebacks in later decades they were urged to atone.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 12 June 2025
The win atoned for Summers’ second-place finish in the high jump earlier on Friday, when the sophomore lost by an inch.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 16 May 2025
McIlroy shoots a 2-under 69 to close the four days at Congressional in Bethesda, Md., at 16-under 268.
2016 — Dustin Johnson atones for his past mishaps in the majors winning the U.S. Open by three shots.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
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Afp, Fortune, 30 June 2025
Throughout Stone’s and Wilson’s comebacks in later decades they were urged to atone.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 12 June 2025
The win atoned for Summers’ second-place finish in the high jump earlier on Friday, when the sophomore lost by an inch.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 16 May 2025
McIlroy shoots a 2-under 69 to close the four days at Congressional in Bethesda, Md., at 16-under 268.
2016 — Dustin Johnson atones for his past mishaps in the majors winning the U.S. Open by three shots.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for atone
Cite this Entry
“Atone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atone. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
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