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
  • While the British government has consistently rejected calls for financial reparations, the Crown’s referral effectively delegates the legal parsing of these historical grievances to the Privy Council in London.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The idea for Evanston's reparations program took root in 2019, when Robin Rue Simmons, then a councilmember representing the city's historic Black neighborhood, the 5th Ward, was researching why its Black population was shrinking.
    — Adrian Florido, NPR, 14 Sep. 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
  • Writer-director Reed Van Dyk’s feature debut navigates tricky emotional waters but emerges as a trenchant examination of what forgiveness and penitence can look like, allowing no room for anything resembling a pat happy ending.
    — Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Eligible businesses could apply for loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, with additional requirements for those seeking loan forgiveness.
    — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of forgiveness
Noun
  • Each nutty denunciation of his imaginary tormentors includes a plea for a presidential pardon.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Flávio has promised to seek a broad amnesty for his father and others convicted over the coup attempt, and to use the presidential pardon power if Congress does not act.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of pardon
Noun
  • Immix Biopharma said its experimental CAR-T therapy induced complete remissions in 89% of patients with AL Amyloidosis, a rare autoimmune disorder in which toxic proteins build up in organs like the heart and kidneys.
    — Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Her treatment included both chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and after more than two and a half years of treatment, Adelynn received clear scans and entered remission.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 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 6 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on expiation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about expiation

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