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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of apologetic
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
The professor who gave me the news was polite and professional, apologetic even.
—Kori Schake, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apologetic
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
The professor who gave me the news was polite and professional, apologetic even.
—Kori Schake, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apologetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apologetic
Adjective
-
Among them a City boy wearing three Fit-Bit-type devices, two beautiful Middle Eastern sisters, an outrageously pompous elderly American (sorry; eavesdropping), and several Imelda Marcos lookalikes, tottering out of the treatment rooms with, somehow, their elaborate hairstyles still intact.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
That’s what health experts now advise, because statistics reveal the sorry fact that 95% of people are deficient in this essential dietary food.—
Margaux Anbouba,
Vogue,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
At their most effective, residential schools left Survivors ashamed and confused about being Indigenous.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 May 2026
-
Mike Isaac, a veteran tech reporter for the Times, wasn’t ashamed to admit that Brockman had inspired him to secure his own butt pillow.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
20 May 2026
Adjective
-
Peters doesn’t appear especially remorseful.—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
18 May 2026
-
In the wake of Kirk’s murder, and the high-profile punishments incurred by those who weren’t properly remorseful, Kirk morphed into one of the most widespread memes in recent memory.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
New Yorker,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But with Hoskins facing the Phillies once again, now as a member of the Cleveland Guardians, Harper sent a regretful response on that decision.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
-
Dusabejambo listened to harrowing stories from survivors and heard brutal confessions from regretful perpetrators.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
Did Ye really write, or at least authorize, that contrite statement in the Wall Street Journal?—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
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
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
Cite this Entry
“Apologetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apologetic. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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