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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Recent Examples of apologetic
In the footage, Rivera is initially apologetic to the trooper who pulls him over, saying sorry for going through a red light.
—
Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 22 Jan. 2026
Days later, Levine wrote that the merchandise had been returned with an apologetic note written in red pen.
—Brian Niemietz, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
Lansky was apologetic before his sentencing.
—Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
On Monday morning, according to Yakko, Kirchner was apologetic but seemed conflicted.
—Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apologetic
Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 22 Jan. 2026
Days later, Levine wrote that the merchandise had been returned with an apologetic note written in red pen.
—Brian Niemietz, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
Lansky was apologetic before his sentencing.
—Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
On Monday morning, according to Yakko, Kirchner was apologetic but seemed conflicted.
—Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apologetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apologetic
Adjective
-
As one of the stars of gay hockey smut — sorry, show — Heated Rivalry, Storrie’s overnight catapult into the spotlight has bestowed upon him a rabid fanbase of horny women.—
Rima Parikh,
Vulture,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Customers Mari Acero and William Cormier, who work at Club Space’s offices across the street, are sorry to see Las Palmas go.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Many parents feel ashamed to ask for help, but reaching out builds connection and shows strength, not failure.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The mom finally revealed that her daughter was taking weight loss supplements but had been too ashamed to say so.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Melling’s scenes all took place in the objectively less exciting muggle universe, occurring along a fairly straightforward arc from spoiled bully to remorseful young adult.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
20 Feb. 2026
-
This is because these remorseful feelings were so heavy on my heart and weighing on my spirit.—
Anna Peele,
Vanity Fair,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
My regretful error was not planning to give myself enough time to properly shop.—
Colleen McNally Arnett,
Southern Living,
26 Feb. 2026
-
So was recalling important, impactful, or regretful experiences from his childhood.—
Logan Smith,
CBS News,
2 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Despite reading Whitney’s letter at least twice, Henry — a narcissist — seems baffled that Whitney is not more contrite.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
23 Feb. 2026
-
When one woman sees her bad behavior caught on camera, she’s initially contrite.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
13 Feb. 2026
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Apologetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apologetic. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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