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

The incident, being investigated as a terrorist attack, took place on Yom Kippur, the Jewish calendar’s day of atonement and fasting. —Ryan Mancini, The Hill, 3 Oct. 2025

It is traditionally marked by fasting, repentance and prayer, as worshippers seek atonement and spiritual renewal. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025

Yom Kippur is the day of atonement following the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 1 Oct. 2025

Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, leading up to Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement. —Victoria E. Freile, Freep.com, 22 Sep. 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