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
Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
Lozano later apologized for the 2025 altercation and worked his way back onto the active roster, though his minutes came mostly off the bench.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
After a review, Walmart coordinated a proper pickup, issued a full refund, and even sent a $100 gift card to apologize for the trouble.
—Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 8 May 2026
Even more frightening is a judge apologizing to an assassin who risked the lives of 2,000 people while attempting to assassinate the president and his cabinet.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 8 May 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 11 May. 2026.
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apologize
verb
