atone
verb (used without object)
to make amends or reparation, as for an offense or a crime, or for an offender (usually followed byfor ).
atoned
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past participleof atone.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof atone.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
atoneverb (used without object)to make amends or reparation, as for an offense or a crime, or for an offender (usually followed byfor ).
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It leaves us with a chilling moral about how the misdeeds of the past, not properly atoned for, can shape the contours of life, and even death.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026
She danced and sinned and regretted and atoned, and then contradicted herself by doing it all over again.
From Salon ● Jul. 8, 2026
McIlroy atoned for two bogeys with nine birdies, shooting a seven-under-par 65 to improve on his stellar 67 in the opening round.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 10, 2026
Van Dijk atoned for his previous error to begin the Liverpool fightback when he headed in Szoboszlai's corner.
From Barron's ● Jan. 24, 2026
“I wanted to see her grow healthy again. To cure her would have atoned for a broken promise in my past. I let down my dear Elnora, who was like a mother to me.”
From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein
