Definition of apologetic
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: feeling or showing regret : regretfully acknowledging fault or failure : expressing an apology
They were apologetic about the error. We received an apologetic letter. an apologetic smile/tone
2
: offered in defense or vindication
the apologetic writings of the early Christians
apologetic
nounDefinition of apologetic (Entry 2 of 2)
Test Your Vocabulary
Which Word Does Not Belong?
-
- Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share apologetic
Time Traveler for apologetic
The first known use of apologetic was in the 15th century
See more words from the same century