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
Crews atoned for the mistake by leading off the ninth with his own triple off the glove of Juan Soto in right field.
—Tim Britton, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
That duo spearheaded a 7-2 victory over Milwaukee at Coors Field, atoning for getting thumped in the first two games of the series as Colorado notched its third win of 2025 amid a 2-4 homestand.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2025
Hernández atoned for his defensive miscue with two run-scoring doubles, tying the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge for the most RBIs in the majors with 29.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
This month, Van Dijk atoned for his error at home against West Ham, after causing Andy Robertson’s own goal that had Liverpool set to drop two points.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
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Tim Britton, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
That duo spearheaded a 7-2 victory over Milwaukee at Coors Field, atoning for getting thumped in the first two games of the series as Colorado notched its third win of 2025 amid a 2-4 homestand.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2025
Hernández atoned for his defensive miscue with two run-scoring doubles, tying the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge for the most RBIs in the majors with 29.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
This month, Van Dijk atoned for his error at home against West Ham, after causing Andy Robertson’s own goal that had Liverpool set to drop two points.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 30 Apr. 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 29 May. 2025.
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