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Showing results for apologize for.

apologize for

VERB
defend
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advocate argue assert back champion endorse explain guarantee justify maintain stand by support uphold
STRONG
aid befriend espouse exculpate exonerate plead rationalize recommend second stonewall sustain vindicate warrant
WEAK
back up bear one out come to defense of cover for go to bat for prove a case put in a good word ride shotgun for say in defense speak up for stand up for stick up for thump for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
oppose protest reject
STRONG
accuse blame condemn
WEAK
abandon attack deny forsake relinquish renounce
VERB
excuse
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acquit condone defend exempt exonerate explain forgive indulge let go pardon relieve spare tolerate
STRONG
alibi appease clear cover discharge exculpate extenuate free liberate mitigate overlook pretext purge rationalize release remit reprieve shrive vindicate whitewash
WEAK
bear with dispense from exempt from give absolution grant amnesty let off make allowances for pass over plead ignorance shrug off take rap for wink at
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accuse blame censure charge condemn damn hurt punish sentence
STRONG
aggravate hold incite irritate keep limit maintain prevent restrain reveal
VERB
justify
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advocate condone confirm countenance defend explain favor maintain rationalize support sustain uphold validate vindicate warrant
STRONG
absolve acquit alibi approve assert brief claim clear contend crawl establish exculpate excuse exonerate legalize palliate pardon plead rebut square verify
WEAK
answer for argue for be answerable for bear out cop a plea do justice to make allowances make good show cause speak in favor stand up for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
attack condemn contradict deny desert disapprove neglect oppose refuse reject veto
STRONG
accuse blame charge convict damn disagree disprove incriminate invalidate punish sentence
VERB
palliate
Synonyms
STRONG
abate allay alleviate assuage camouflage cloak conceal condone cover diminish disguise dissemble ease exculpate excuse extenuate hide justify lessen lighten mask minimize mitigate moderate mollify prettify qualify relieve screen soften soothe sugarcoat temper varnish veil veneer vindicate white whiten whitewash
WEAK
gloze hush up make light of put on a Band-Aid quick fix
Antonyms
STRONG
accuse aggravate agitate allow blacken blame burden condemn darken depress disclose divulge enlarge expose extend incite increase intensify irritate lay bare let out magnify open prolong provoke reveal sentence show strip tell trouble uncover unmask upset worry worsen

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.

Carlson should apologize for misleading the public, intentionally.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

“This is your home. I knocked on your door because I genuinely want to know what you think. Please don’t apologize for sharing your opinion,” I told them.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

Many of the AI country tunes tap into the genre's archetype of the lone cowboy: a rugged, taciturn, plain-spoken man who, above all, refuses to apologize for simply existing.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

“Despite many lessons over several years, unfortunately, I am still unable to express myself adequately in French. I sincerely apologize for this, but I am continuing my efforts to improve,” Rousseau said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

“I apologize for being a little distracted. I have a client who was supposed to be here two hours ago, and I’m worried. You didn’t see him, did you?”

From "Hello, Universe" by Erin Entrada Kelly