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
  • For starters, there is one urgent mission the pope must take on the road to atonement.
    — Laura Washington, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
  • But his atonement comes too late.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 1 June 2026
Definition of atonement
Noun
  • Understanding Caribbean history For Bousquet, the debate over reparations remains tied to how the Caribbean understands its own history, including slavery’s abolition and emancipation.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The growing reparations movement is one expression of that connection.
    — Richard Fowler, Forbes.com, 29 July 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
  • His campaign is specifically boosting a change to Brazil's income tax system that charges less to people on low incomes and a debt forgiveness program that has quickly become very popular.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • At the same time, borrowers are reporting increasing problems and errors that are delaying or derailing their ability to maintain access to affordable repayment plan programs and student loan forgiveness.
    — Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of forgiveness
Noun
  • Under that pardon, Fauci would be immune from federal prosecution but could still face state or local charges.
    — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 4 Aug. 2026
  • But the pardon wouldn’t protect him from a state prosecution or from any perjury charge that could be drummed up from his testimony now.
    — Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of pardon
Noun
  • Smith, 24, shared the moment during an appearance Wednesday, July 29, on the Call Her Daddy podcast, saying Whimsy went into remission shortly after her 2nd birthday.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • Fortunately, the cancer went into remission and Crystal remains cancer-free.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of remission

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expiation
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Cite this Entry

“Expiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expiation. Accessed 6 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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