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Synonyms

make amends

Idioms  
  1. Compensate someone for a grievance or injury, as in They must make amends for the harm they've caused you. This expression was first recorded in 1330.


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.

See Examples For:

But one aspect of a fair justice system is for wrongdoers to face proportionate consequences—not to be shunned forever, but to be expected to own up, make amends, and, sometimes, pay a penalty.

From Slate Jul. 7, 2026

Four years on from suffering penalty heartbreak against Argentina in the final in Qatar, Les Bleus look determined to make amends and go all the way this time.

From BBC Jul. 1, 2026

But Jerry wants in his sputtering way to make amends to his brother for the cruel things he did to him when they were younger.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 3, 2026

This experience taught me the importance of keeping calm in tense situations, choosing restraint over reaction, and allowing space for others to reflect and make amends.

From The Wall Street Journal May 7, 2026

The fact that our lack of care and concern may have been, at times, unintentional or unconscious does not mitigate our crime—if we refuse, when given the chance, to make amends.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

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