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
Christ on a horse does not atone for the gas chambers.
—Arthur Krystal, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
The 18 defendants, represented by a defense lawyer, are confronted with the witnesses‘ descriptions during the trial and are expected to acknowledge and atone for their crimes.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2025
In the Netflix musical directed by Jacques Audiard, Gascón plays a cartel boss who tries to atone for her past after transitioning in secret.
—Kyle Buchanan, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
To atone for his actions — which resulted in the swinging of the presidential election — our favorite night agent accepts a new mission: double agent.
—Ashley Boucher, EW.com, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for atone 
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Arthur Krystal, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
The 18 defendants, represented by a defense lawyer, are confronted with the witnesses‘ descriptions during the trial and are expected to acknowledge and atone for their crimes.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2025
In the Netflix musical directed by Jacques Audiard, Gascón plays a cartel boss who tries to atone for her past after transitioning in secret.
—Kyle Buchanan, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
To atone for his actions — which resulted in the swinging of the presidential election — our favorite night agent accepts a new mission: double agent.
—Ashley Boucher, EW.com, 23 Jan. 2025
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 7 Feb. 2025.
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