apologetic

adjective

ə-ˌpä-lə-ˈje-tik How to pronounce apologetic (audio)
Definition of apologeticnext
as in sorry
feeling sorrow for a wrong that one has done was profusely apologetic after accidentally breaking a treasured plate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of apologetic Palmer was immediately apologetic, though her family was already laughing. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026 Be apologetic for the inconvenience. — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 6 May 2026 Her colleague, a blonde woman, seemed more apologetic. — Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026 Dunk acknowledged his error with an apologetic hand gesture to Verbruggen. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apologetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apologetic
  1. sorry
  2. ashamed
  3. remorseful
  4. regretful
  5. contrite
  6. repentant
Adjective
  • There has also always been a place for vice in fragrance (sorry to point out that classic diet cola and cigarettes, while very Gabbriette right now, are not actually good for you).
    — Loren Savini, Allure, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Evidence of silence quietly (sorry) breaking apart one’s bearings bleeds through both the main plot thread and satellite storylines, which include recurring visits to a client of Ninh’s and that man’s own conflicts with his distant wife.
    — Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of sorry
Adjective
  • Father Ruiz, who was from Peru, by contrast always felt a little ashamed of not having studied in any concerted way.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Rather, marijuana is part of the private language keeping Molly and Frankie afloat, and instead of feeling ashamed, the soulmates have designed their lives around celebrating weed as a kind of romance.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of ashamed
Adjective
  • To Tommy, Anna and Molly are twittering encumbrances, idiotic in their insistence on good works and the good of man, their endless remorseful hedgings about the Communist Party.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Outside the courtroom, attorney Eric Clayman told reporters that Watson is remorseful and didn’t want to hurt Ibrahim.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Definition of remorseful
Adjective
  • Responses varied by age and gender, with the most regretful group being Gen Z women.
    — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Regina genuinely likes Louis, is regretful about getting loud with him, and after learning about Claudia feels sorry for him.
    — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of regretful
Adjective
  • On Sunday a contrite Brewster apologized.
    — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026
  • McGuire indicated that Sorsby is contrite about it all and said that the quarterback could speak publicly soon.
    — Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Definition of contrite
Adjective
  • Johnson wrote in a letter in the filing to the Illinois review board that Hoover is repentant and has the potential and the desire to live the rest of his life as a force for good in his community.
    — Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Perry had been reluctant to engage with recovery groups in the past, which are often structured around repentant confessions.
    — Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 4 Aug. 2025
Definition of repentant

Browse Nearby Words

Apollonian
apologetic
apologia
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Cite this Entry

“Apologetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apologetic. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of apologetic for Spanish Speakers

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