as in making amends for
to make up for (an offense)
tried to atone for forgetting their anniversary by giving his wife a truly extravagant gift
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for atoning (for)
Verb
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The Bureau of Prisons ultimately settled the lawsuit, compensating almost 1,600 inmates with a total of approximately $10 million for enduring frigid and inhumane conditions because of the power outage.—
Alisha Ebrahimji,
CNN Money,
6 Jan. 2026 -
The largest brakes in 911 history have also been fitted—with 10-piston 420 mm front and four-piston 410 mm at the rear—further compensating for the Turbo S’s additional weight.—
Basem Wasef,
Robb Report,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Abel got his first taste of business at a young age, collecting, cleaning, and redeeming empty soda bottles for just 5 cents a piece.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
5 Jan. 2026
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Youthful exuberance remains one of their most redeeming traits.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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City officials warn that shutting down the streetcar could require repaying $48 million in federal funds and jeopardize future transit funding.—
Vanessa Swales,
jsonline.com,
21 Oct. 2025
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That harm might range from never repaying loans to stealing their spouse’s and children’s identities to access more credit.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
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According to the brand, this face cream provides a host of benefits, including correcting uneven skin tone, increasing hydration, smoothing out texture, and strengthening the skin barrier.—
Isabel Bekele,
InStyle,
3 Jan. 2026
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Opt for a shade that’s one or two shades lighter than your skin tone, and those with dark circles can use color-correcting concealer to appear more awake.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
2 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Atoning (for).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atoning%20%28for%29. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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