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
Although Willis tried to atone for his lapse in concentration, Messi simply dribbled the ball around him and fired in an easy winner.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
According to the documentary, Carnival atoned for the poop cruise by giving each passenger a full refund, paying for their transportation expenses, offering a free cruise voucher, and slipping them a cool $500.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 25 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for atone
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Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
According to the documentary, Carnival atoned for the poop cruise by giving each passenger a full refund, paying for their transportation expenses, offering a free cruise voucher, and slipping them a cool $500.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 25 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for atone
Cite this Entry
“Atone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atone. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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