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

obsolete : reconciliation

Examples of atonement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For starters, there is one urgent mission the pope must take on the road to atonement. — Laura Washington, Mercury News, 9 June 2026

But his atonement comes too late. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 1 June 2026

The good news for Randle is there is a chance for atonement. — Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 9 May 2026

However, his big mistake ended up leading to a massive atonement on Thursday night with the selection of Downs. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see atone

First Known Use

1513, in the meaning defined at sense 3

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