as in reparation
an act taken in order to redeem oneself
He resolved to make atonement to those he had wronged by doing good deeds for them.
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Recent Examples of atonement
Why no mumblings of atonement for the predatory nature of capitalism itself, its core values and standard operating procedures no different from those of the beasts in the field?
—
Henry Freedland, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
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
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
See All Example Sentences for atonement
Henry Freedland, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
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
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
See All Example Sentences for atonement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for atonement
Noun
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None of the victims or their descendants received any direct reparations from the city or state.—
Caleb Gayle,
The Atlantic,
28 Jan. 2026
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Program staff help with translation and annual reparations applications to the Claims Conference.—
Dana Toppel,
Oc Register,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Some creditors may even offer partial balance forgiveness in extreme circumstances, though this is less common.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
2 Feb. 2026
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Instead of opting for skintight jeans, 2026 can be the year of straight-leg denim that still flatters a wide range of body types but with a little more forgiveness.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Atonement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atonement. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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