at one

1 of 2

phrase

Synonyms of at one
: at harmony : in a state of agreement

atone

2 of 2

verb

ə-ˈtōn How to pronounce atone (audio)
atoned; atoning

intransitive verb

: 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

transitive verb

1
: to make reparation or supply satisfaction for : expiate
—used in the passive voice with for
a crime that must be atoned for
2
obsolete : reconcile

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.

Synonyms of at one

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Verb

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Examples of at one in a Sentence

Verb tried to atone for forgetting their anniversary by giving his wife a truly extravagant gift
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Phrase
On the other side, Bedard at one point considered an even shorter deal to maximize his earning potential. — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 19 July 2026 One thing that’s not clear is whether Midtown intends to demolish Sunset Place all at once or in phases — a possible approach floated at one point. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
Verb
Argentina triumphed on penalties in 1998, after David Beckham was sent off, and England won via a penalty in 2002, when Beckham went some way to atoning for what happened four years earlier by converting from the spot. — Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026 Gray atoned with an RBI double in the fifth to break up Martin's shutout bid. — CBS News, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for at one

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, to become reconciled, from at on in harmony, from at + on one

First Known Use

Phrase

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1574, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of at one was in the 13th century

Rhymes for at one

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Browse Nearby Words

at once
at one
atone
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Cite this Entry

“At one.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20one. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

atone

verb
ə-ˈtōn How to pronounce atone (audio)
atoned; atoning
: to do something to make up for a wrong that has been done
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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