as in reparation
an act taken in order to redeem oneself
He resolved to make atonement to those he had wronged by doing good deeds for them.
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Recent Examples of atonement
The incident, being investigated as a terrorist attack, took place on Yom Kippur, the Jewish calendar’s day of atonement and fasting.
—
Ryan Mancini, The Hill, 3 Oct. 2025
It is traditionally marked by fasting, repentance and prayer, as worshippers seek atonement and spiritual renewal.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, leading up to Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement.
—Victoria E. Freile, Freep.com, 22 Sep. 2025
That’s a part of the atonement, paying the toll and coming clean.
—Joe Lynch, Billboard, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atonement
Ryan Mancini, The Hill, 3 Oct. 2025
It is traditionally marked by fasting, repentance and prayer, as worshippers seek atonement and spiritual renewal.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, leading up to Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement.
—Victoria E. Freile, Freep.com, 22 Sep. 2025
That’s a part of the atonement, paying the toll and coming clean.
—Joe Lynch, Billboard, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atonement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for atonement
Noun
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None of the victims or their descendants received any direct reparations from the city or state.—
Caleb Gayle,
The Atlantic,
28 Jan. 2026
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Program staff help with translation and annual reparations applications to the Claims Conference.—
Dana Toppel,
Oc Register,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Some creditors may even offer partial balance forgiveness in extreme circumstances, though this is less common.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
2 Feb. 2026
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Instead of opting for skintight jeans, 2026 can be the year of straight-leg denim that still flatters a wide range of body types but with a little more forgiveness.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Atonement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atonement. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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