expiation

Definition of expiationnext

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 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 Apollo was a villain in the first Rocky film, a more nuanced antagonist in the second, a best friend and guru in the third, and a pretext for revenge and the expiation of guilt in the fourth. Vulture, 4 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for expiation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expiation
Noun
  • The organization added that a true sign of atonement from Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, would be to refrain from antisemitism in the future, concluding their statement by wishing him well on his mental health journey.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The term usually applied to this atonement is reconciliation.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 27 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • None of the victims or their descendants received any direct reparations from the city or state.
    Caleb Gayle, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Program staff help with translation and annual reparations applications to the Claims Conference.
    Dana Toppel, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Whatever absolution could be provided in the deaths of Michael, Marcy and Jennifer Jacobs or the disappearance of Ricky McCarthy would still mean something to their families.
    Graham Womack Updated January 15, Sacbee.com, 16 Jan. 2026
  • His critics say that a man who fired a shot into a crowd deserves no absolution, regardless of his prior service to the country.
    Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Some creditors may even offer partial balance forgiveness in extreme circumstances, though this is less common.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • The White House doesn’t comment on potential clemency requests, but the president is the ultimate decider on pardons and commutations.
    Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2026
  • The White House is sifting through thousands of clemency requests, including a pardon bid by Archegos Capital Management founder Bill Hwang, who was convicted over the collapse of his $36 billion family office.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • That period of remission lasted about two years.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
  • All in the study achieved remission by day 28, and 9 reached deep remission.
    William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expiation. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on expiation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!