atoned; atoning
: to make amends : to provide or serve as reparation or compensation for something bad or unwelcome
—usually + for
He wanted to atone for his sins.
But I think that he has within him a capacity for love, and an unselfishness, which almost atones for his dishonesty.—
Anthony Trollope
Anthony Trollope
Did you know?
Atone has its roots in the idea of reconciliation and harmony. It grew out of the Middle English phrase at on meaning “in harmony,” a phrase echoed in current expressions like “feeling at one with nature.” When atone joined modern English in the 16th century, it meant “to reconcile,” and suggested the restoration of a peaceful and harmonious state between people or groups. Today, atone specifically implies addressing the damage—or disharmony—caused by one’s own behavior.
Examples of atone in a Sentence
tried to atone for forgetting their anniversary by giving his wife a truly extravagant gift
Recent Examples on the Web
The Kansas State transfer atoned by throwing for 182 yards and touchdowns to Emeka Egbuka and Brandon Inniss.
—Will Graves, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2024
That prompted Ronaldo to break down in tears at the end of the game, although Portugal did win the shootout as Ronaldo atoned for his earlier miss.
—James Pearce, The Athletic, 31 July 2024
Bailey soon atoned by initiating the opportunity for Watkins.
—Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 25 Aug. 2024
There are always riveting reminders century after century calling on us to not forget our past sins and to atone for them.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for atone 
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Will Graves, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2024
That prompted Ronaldo to break down in tears at the end of the game, although Portugal did win the shootout as Ronaldo atoned for his earlier miss.
—James Pearce, The Athletic, 31 July 2024
Bailey soon atoned by initiating the opportunity for Watkins.
—Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 25 Aug. 2024
There are always riveting reminders century after century calling on us to not forget our past sins and to atone for them.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for atone
Dictionary Entries Near atone
Cite this Entry
“Atone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atone. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
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