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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 The cleaning lady was very apologetic and offered to pay for the sink itself. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026 And Jonathan is a continuing reminder that liberalism doesn’t have to be apologetic or bashful about itself. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026 Instead of trying to hide the battery pack behind oversized body panels, the Streetdog integrates it into the overall silhouette in a way that feels deliberate rather than apologetic. — Utkarsh Sood june 27, New Atlas, 27 June 2026 Palmer was immediately apologetic, though her family was already laughing. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 20 May 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
  • Josh — So sorry for not getting our regular Monday column out to you this week.
    — Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Thank god for two thinkers willing to sit and untangle our sorry state of affairs.
    — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of sorry
Adjective
  • But 37 offensive points is nothing to be ashamed of in the NFL.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Some classmates were ashamed that their immigrant parents spoke only Polish or Hungarian at home.
    — Gloria Steinem, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of ashamed
Adjective
  • Several artists said Ludlow, though remorseful about the festival’s outcome, failed to communicate updates about the cancellation beyond last-minute form letters.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of remorseful
Adjective
  • Responses varied by age and gender, with the most regretful group being Gen Z women.
    — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of regretful
Adjective
  • The veteran receiver, who joined the Commanders as a free agent in August, was contrite.
    — Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • On Sunday a contrite Brewster apologized.
    — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 22 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Apologetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apologetic. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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