expiation

noun

Definition of expiationnext
as in atonement

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of expiation Then, expiation in the 80th minute. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 12 May 2026 These, however, also fall into the expiation rather than the rule category. — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 Voss’s journey follows the largely Christian trajectory of expiation and redemption from the sin of pride; the constellation of the Southern Cross hangs over him just before his death. — Ben Woollard, JSTOR Daily, 4 Dec. 2024 Constituting a kind of trilogy about expiation through violence—whether toward others or toward oneself—the films have a newfound starkness that reflects the severity of their subjects. — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 29 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for expiation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expiation
  1. atonement
  2. reparation
  3. absolution
  4. forgiveness
  5. pardon
  6. remission
Noun
  • The person receives the opportunity for atonement; the consequence is assigned elsewhere.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The holiday, starting Friday night, marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, leading up to Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement.
    — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of atonement
Noun
  • Later, in 1711, the colony passed a legislative act to make reparations to the victims, including restoring the good names of the accused and paying financial retributions to the families of the accused.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
  • In other words, the suit claims that the reparations program illegally discriminates on the basis of race — in this case, discriminating against people who are not Black.
    — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of reparation
Noun
  • Confession does not guarantee absolution, nor uprightness virtue.
    — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The woman’s love and affection, as well as her genuine repentance, won his absolution of her sins.
    — Eric Bashor, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026
Definition of absolution
Noun
  • The play, written by Jessica Dickey, is a fictional exploration of a schoolhouse shooting in an Amish community, and how the community learns to provide forgiveness and compassion.
    — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The idea is to provide a pathway to student loan forgiveness for people who work in public service.
    — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of forgiveness
Noun
  • Ford placed the inmate’s bid for clemency on the agenda of the state pardons board — an example, Lombardo claims, of the way Ford treats criminals.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Punian was granted a pardon in recognition of his rehabilitation and military service.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of pardon
Noun
  • The former University of Virginia standout was reportedly diagnosed with the Grade 4 cancer last year and briefly went into remission, but the tumors returned in July, according to Houston news site Chron.
    — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • In a pivotal clinical trial, people using the headset were about twice as likely to achieve remission from major depressive disorder after 10 weeks compared to those using a sham version.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of remission

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expiating
expiation
expiations
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Cite this Entry

“Expiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expiation. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on expiation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about expiation

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