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

Christian Science : the exemplifying of human oneness with God

4

obsolete : reconciliation

Examples of atonement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But the most humiliating atonement often came in the form of a public walk of shame. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 June 2025

Two paragons of concern and atonement are accomplished British pianist Paul Barton and his wife Khwan Barton, a wildlife artist. —Anthony R. Cannella, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2025

Preston sees Elsbeth being about a woman reinventing herself later in life while also seeking atonement. —Alamin Yohannes, EW.com, 6 June 2025

The film received criticism from GLAAD and other groups for its trans representation, but its bold, bright, bizarre visions of identity and atonement will linger with viewers. —Sara Netzley, EW.com, 7 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

see atone

First Known Use

1513, in the meaning defined at sense 4

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