APOLOGETIC Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

apologetic

adjective

ə-ˌpä-lə-ˈje-tik

Definition of apologetic

as in sorry

feeling sorrow for a wrong that one has done was profusely apologetic after accidentally breaking a treasured plate

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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

Adjective

So, sorry to Aaron, and hello to Viva Paper Towels, who is putting up $20,000 for the winner of this challenge.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
The point of Kleiman’s post is for average folks to feel sorry for the seven-time Super Bowl champ.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of sorry

Adjective

This is classic Drake, turning the darker inner thoughts most people would be ashamed to admit into something almost beautiful.

— Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 3 Aug. 2026
According to the Mental Health Foundation, almost one third of teenagers feel ashamed of some aspect of their body.

— Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 19 July 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

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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“Apologetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apologetic. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of apologetic

adjective

Example Sentences

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