reconciliation

1300–50; Middle English reconsiliacion<Latin reconciliātiōn- (stem of reconciliātiō), equivalent to reconciliāt(us) (see reconcile, -ate¹) + -iōn--ion

OTHER WORDS FROM reconciliation

non·rec·on·cil·i·a·tion, nounpre·rec·on·cil·i·a·tion, nounpro·rec·on·cil·i·a·tion, adjective

Words nearby reconciliation

recon, reconcentration, reconcilable, reconcile, reconciliate, reconciliation, reconciliatory, recondite, recondition, reconfigure, reconfirm

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

MORE ABOUT RECONCILIATION

What does reconciliation mean?

Reconciliation is the process of two people or groups in a conflict agreeing to make amends or come to a truce.

Reconciliation is also the name of a Catholic sacrament involving the confession of sin. Less commonly, reconciliation refers to when someone accepts an undesirable situation, or to the process of making things compatible.

Example: After years of conflict, the two parties have agreed to meet with the goal of reconciliation.

Where does reconciliation come from?

The first records of the word reconciliation come from the 1300s. It is the noun form of the verb reconcile, which comes from the Latin reconciliāre, meaning “to make good again” or “to repair.”

Reconciliation is meant to repair relationships that are broken. It can happen between two people, such as former friends who had a falling-out. Or it can happen between groups, such as warring factions in a country. Reconciliation is usually thought to create more than just a truce. When true reconciliation occurs, the two formerly hostile sides become respectful of each other—and, ideally, friends.

In the Roman Catholic Church, Reconciliation is the name of a sacrament in which people confess their sins—a process popularly known as confession. It is sometimes also called Penance.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to reconciliation?

reconcile (verb)
nonreconciliation (noun)
prereconcilition (noun)
proreconciliation (adjective)

What are some synonyms for reconciliation?

What are some words that share a root or word element with reconciliation?

What are some words that often get used in discussing reconciliation?

How is reconciliation used in real life?

Reconciliation is typically used in the context of two parties that have a serious, longstanding dispute, and it’s usually considered a slow, difficult process. It’s also commonly used as the name of the Catholic sacrament also known as confession.

It's aggravating when teachers focus on the drama among students rather than the possible solutions or, in one specific case, the reconciliation between two students. I asked a basic question regarding the latter, and too many colleagues fell to the floor,

— Be(e) (@srlharris) March 6, 2020

Today I witnessed remarkable courage of #Afghans as they stood in defiance against cowardly terrorists who tried to disrupt the inauguration of @ashrafghani. Unity, reconciliation & peace needed now more than ever. @NATO stands with #ANDSF & Afghan people. pic.twitter.com/9tutA6FoXL

— Sir Nick Kay (@NicholasK111) March 9, 2020

Friends, this holy season of #Advent is a wonderful time to go back to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Because in the Sacrament of Penance we find that Jesus is there — waiting to forgive us. Waiting to show us his infinite mercy and give us the strength of his grace.

— Abp. José H. Gomez (@ArchbishopGomez) December 13, 2019

Try using reconciliation!

True or false?

Reconciliation is the same as an apology.

How to use reconciliation in a sentence

Maybe the peace and reconciliation we have been seeking starts with this.
Our Nobel Peace Prize win is an honor and a tragedy|jakemeth|October 25, 2020|Fortune
When it came to repealing and replacing most of Obamacare — which Republicans used budget reconciliation to try and do with only 51 votes — it turned out that Republicans couldn’t even muster the votes in their own party to repeal the law.
The definitive case for ending the filibuster|Ezra Klein|October 1, 2020|Vox
The budget reconciliation process was created in 1974 as a way to expedite the completion of appropriations bills.
The definitive case for ending the filibuster|Ezra Klein|October 1, 2020|Vox
Worse, because the budget reconciliation process in not meant for normal legislating, only certain kinds of initiatives can fit within it, and even they end up battered and bruised.
The definitive case for ending the filibuster|Ezra Klein|October 1, 2020|Vox

You could easily pass, say, a carbon tax through budget reconciliation.
The definitive case for ending the filibuster|Ezra Klein|October 1, 2020|Vox
They called for peace, reconciliation, and the safe return of Father Gregorio.
Mexico’s Priests Are Marked for Murder|Jason McGahan|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In fact, these kinds of advances helped give religion another huge window of opportunity for racial reconciliation in the 1960s.
No Gods, No Cops, No Masters|James Poulos|January 1, 2015|DAILY BEAST
It was about the hope and longing for redemption and reconciliation that lies somewhere within each of us.
During Advent, Lots of Waiting, But Not Enough Hope|Gene Robinson|December 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The hope is that ceasefires could build to political reconciliation.
The Obama Administration Has Assad Amnesia|Jamie Dettmer|December 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“The confrontation should not be about revenge, but about reconciliation on both parts,” he stressed.
Should You Confront Your Old Bully?|Keli Goff|August 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Neglecting minor discrepancies, one may safely accept Mr Bain's reconciliation of the various accounts.
King Robert the Bruce|A. F. Murison
He was determined not to go through even the form of an apology, but he was equally determined upon a reconciliation.
Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton
The Pope replied that reconciliation with the Church was an indispensable condition precedent.
King Robert the Bruce|A. F. Murison
Secondly, Randolph prayed for safe conducts for Bruce's envoys, presently to be sent to procure reconciliation with the Church.
King Robert the Bruce|A. F. Murison
Billy shook hands, and took a sip out of the case-bottle, by way of clenching the reconciliation.
The Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands|R.M. Ballantyne

British Dictionary definitions for reconciliation

Reconciliation

/ (ˌrɛkənˌsɪlɪˈeɪʃən) /

noun

RC Church a sacrament in which repentant sinners are absolved and gain reconciliation with God and the Church, on condition of confession of their sins to a priest and of performing a penance

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012