apologize
verb
Did you know?
Does apologize always mean "to say 'I'm sorry'"?
The verb apologize is a surprisingly recent introduction to the English language when one stops to consider that we have likely been committing deeds which require an apology since time immemorial. Our earliest current record of use comes at the end of the 16th century, in the writing of Thomas Nash:
”….but as the Elephant and the Rinoceros neuer fight but about the best pastures, so will I winne from him his best Patrons, and driue him to confesse himselfe a Conundrum, who now thinks he hath learning inough to proue the saluation of Lucifer; Apologize it for him as many Chutes, Barnesses, or vile riggers, or Fregeuiles as there will.”
The earliest uses of apologize more often meant “to offer an excuse or defense” than “to acknowledge a fault.” The verb came into our language from the noun apology, which similarly had an initial meaning (beginning in the early 16th century) that did not necessarily acknowledge fault (“something said or written in defense or justification of what appears to others to be wrong or of what may be liable to disapprobation”).
Examples of apologize in a Sentence
Lauren Clark, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Instead, prosecutors entered into an agreement that King apologize to the arresting officer and complete community service — though even that was negotiable in the era of COVID.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
Early in the ongoing war, Pezeshkian apologized to the Gulf countries for attacking them with ballistic missiles and drones, only to quickly backtrack when the Guards communicated a different message.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2026
The chief executive of Air Canada apologized Thursday for his inability to express himself in French after politicians called for his resignation for his English-only message of condolence after Sunday's deadly crash in New York.
—Rob Gillies The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apologize
Cite this Entry
“Apologize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apologize. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
apologize
verb
