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
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
Gascon, a veteran of Spanish TV, is running in the lead as a cartel leader who secretly transitions, then attempts to atone for her crimes.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2024
Ah, Sober October – that alliterative time of year when some people like to take a break from drinking, perhaps to atone for the excesses of summer, or to prepare for the excesses of the holiday season.
—Jeanne O'Brien Coffey, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
As Briony seeks to atone for her actions, the question remains who that apology is intended to serve.
—Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for atone 
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.
Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024
Gascon, a veteran of Spanish TV, is running in the lead as a cartel leader who secretly transitions, then attempts to atone for her crimes.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2024
Ah, Sober October – that alliterative time of year when some people like to take a break from drinking, perhaps to atone for the excesses of summer, or to prepare for the excesses of the holiday season.
—Jeanne O'Brien Coffey, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
As Briony seeks to atone for her actions, the question remains who that apology is intended to serve.
—Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 18 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 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share