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
  • Like an act of poetic atonement, America sent the great-great-great-great-grandson of a slave back, as a diplomat, to the country whence his ancestor had been kidnapped.
    — Anne Haley, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
  • For starters, there is one urgent mission the pope must take on the road to atonement.
    — Laura Washington, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
Definition of atonement
Noun
  • In fact, the whole thing could be viewed as colonial reparations.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Ms Rachel pushes reparations quote in latest progressive political move.
    — , FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of reparation
Noun
  • 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
  • According to this script, the ballot represents absolution and neither the French nor the British system was built to answer it.
    — Melissa Bell, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Definition of absolution
Noun
  • The downsides of private student loans include higher interest rates and fees, fewer opportunities for loan forgiveness and more rigid repayment terms than federal loans.
    — Amy DeYoung, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Getty Images Student loan borrower advocacy groups are raising alarms over the Education Department’s recent rollback of student loan forgiveness credit, warning that the efforts could trap borrowers in debt for additional months or years.
    — Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of forgiveness
Noun
  • Ocalan and other key PKK figures are excluded from the pardon.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The president has also drawn scrutiny for issuing pardons to people who have publicly supported him or have business ties to him, but his pardon power is separate from the DOJ.
    — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of pardon
Noun
  • Middleton announced her remission in early 2025 and gradually resumed her duties.
    — Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Between 70% and 80% of patients who complete a full course achieve a therapeutic response, according to Psychiatric Times, and roughly 40% reach clinical remission.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of remission

Browse Nearby Words

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 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on expiation

Nglish: Translation of expiation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about expiation

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