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 Dunk acknowledged his error with an apologetic hand gesture to Verbruggen. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026 In fact, our new characters are exceedingly apologetic drivers. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026 That letter arrived after shorter apologetic statements from BAFTA and Davidson, along with an earlier apology from the BBC. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 8 Apr. 2026 In the final moments before learning his fate, Whaley addressed the judge and appeared apologetic. — Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 7 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
  • This Society is only for the married women of Independence, sorry, babe.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 July 2026
  • America appears to be in the midst of an outbreak of—I’m sorry, but there’s no better way to say this—explosive diarrhea.
    — Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026
Definition of sorry
Adjective
  • Children might feel entitled to endless support or, on the flipside, feel ashamed about accepting help.
    — Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 16 July 2026
  • By shutting down conversations or not answering kids' questions, Chambers said, parents can unintentionally send the message that periods and puberty are something to be ashamed of.
    — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Definition of ashamed
Adjective
  • 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
  • Lil Wayne is feeling remorseful after leaving fans in Maine high and dry.
    — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of remorseful
Adjective
  • 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
  • That’s interesting because there’s not been a case being made for going back in, just a lot of regretful noises.
    — Mishal Husain, Bloomberg, 22 May 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 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on apologetic

Nglish: Translation of apologetic for Spanish Speakers

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