Definitions

apologize

[uh-pol-uh-jahyz] / əˈpɒl əˌdʒaɪz /

VERB

express remorse, regret

Synonyms

STRONGEST

atone confess retract withdraw

STRONG

crawl purge square

WEAK

admit guilt ask forgiveness ask pardon beg pardon bow to clear oneself cop a plea cop out excuse oneself get down on knees give satisfaction make amends make reparations make up for make up with offer compensation offer excuse say one is sorry

Antonyms

WEAK

defy

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.

In January, West took out a full-page ad in The Wall Street Journal to apologize for offensive statements.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

We apologize for bringing arithmetic into this–we’ll try not to let it happen again.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

"I sincerely apologize for this, but I am continuing my efforts to improve," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Shohei Ohtani hit .462 with three home runs in four WBC games yet somehow felt the need to apologize for falling short.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

Kumu Apo wants us to apologize and hug it out.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

Vocabulary lists containing apologize

Bronx Masquerade

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Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

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The Contender

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!