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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.

Locals apologize for the trash piling up on street corners, as garbage pickup has halted.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 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

Following the hearing, Paul called Mullin’s refusal to apologize “unacceptable.”

From Salon • Mar. 18, 2026

Eddie’s not surprised by this, though; apparently, Babs already came to talk to her parents and apologize.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.