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
  • Ms Rachel pushes reparations quote in latest progressive political move.
    — , FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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
  • Debt settlement, sometimes referred to as debt forgiveness, may be another option for borrowers who are struggling with substantial unsecured debt and cannot realistically repay the full amount.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Some federal loans sometimes also qualify for loan forgiveness, hardship relief, and deferment and forbearance options that can impact your repayment timeline.
    — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of forgiveness
Noun
  • The candidates have been clashing over the personal history of DeBarros, who served 19 years in prison for a shooting in Waterbury at the age of 18 in 1996 before he was later pardoned by the state’s board of pardons and paroles.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Biden gave him a presidential pardon after congressional Republicans threatened him with criminal charges over his handling of COVID-19.
    — Michael Collins, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of pardon
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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 18 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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