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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
  • 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
  • These impositions are gradual and incredibly well-meaning, although even their medicinal intentions come laced with the word of a foreign lord and savior, whose crucifixes and tales of forgiveness are at odds with the local rituals.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Those responses reminded me that asking for forgiveness isn’t only a religious ritual or an abstract idea.
    — Marvin Krislov, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of forgiveness
Noun
  • Defense Minister Israel Katz backed the pardon as humane, while the army’s chief of staff opposed it.
    — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not issue a statement after the pardon.
    — Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of pardon
Noun
  • 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
  • Someone who hasn’t had any criteria for up to three months is in initial remission — three months to one year is early remission, one to five years is sustained, and more than five years is stable.
    — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 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 27 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on expiation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about expiation

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