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.

Does Musk have the character to admit what he doesn’t know, to change his mind, or to admit he was wrong and apologize?

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

He didn’t, however, apologize, and the PR snafu kept rumbling.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

“The league made the mistake. We sincerely apologize to Jaxon for the error and are in the process of creating and shipping him a new trophy,” the NFL wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

"Actually, I was wishing him the opposite of dead, but apologize if you found the image inappropriate," he wrote.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

But I didn’t need to hear her apologize.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

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!