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
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Recent Examples of apologetic
Another standout is Danielle Macdonald as an overly apologetic new mother.
—
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
No date had been fixed as yet, one of them kept assuring me — only to have the official call me in late October and say, in very apologetic tones, that the landing had suddenly happened nearly overnight, because ASN’s ship had been in the area and had some time to spare.
—Samanth Subramanian, The Dial, 14 Oct. 2025
Vacherot walked forward afterward as if in disbelief, apologetic for how Djokovic had had to play the match.
—James Hansen, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
His tone was elegiac, but not apologetic.
—Beth Lew-Williams, New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apologetic
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
No date had been fixed as yet, one of them kept assuring me — only to have the official call me in late October and say, in very apologetic tones, that the landing had suddenly happened nearly overnight, because ASN’s ship had been in the area and had some time to spare.
—Samanth Subramanian, The Dial, 14 Oct. 2025
Vacherot walked forward afterward as if in disbelief, apologetic for how Djokovic had had to play the match.
—James Hansen, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
His tone was elegiac, but not apologetic.
—Beth Lew-Williams, New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apologetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apologetic
Adjective
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Certainly no other fan base will feel sorry for Blackhawks fans, but man, what Blackhawks fans wouldn’t give to be nitpicking a coach’s decision about who plays right wing on the fourth line again rather than checking out who’ll be available at the top of the draft in June.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
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Miss Manners is sorry to see the end of an ancient tradition that was one of the hallmarks of civilization.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Then sank a flotilla,Then fought a gorilla,And wasn’t ashamed one scintilla!—
Richard Lederer,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Oct. 2025
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The only one who should be ashamed is Robert De Niro.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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During her sentencing, Javice appeared remorseful, according to several reports.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
29 Sep. 2025
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While the lyrics seem remorseful, Cardi’s only regrets are for him.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Clooney’s Jay is reflective and regretful about the choices he’s made throughout his career — which have left his adult children feeling abandoned and neglected — but the film seldom paints him as cruel or even all that foolish.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
17 Oct. 2025
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Wilson is one of the richest characters in Stamp’s oeuvre: regretful and resigned, hilarious and mournful, and deeply angry yet with flashes of tenderness.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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That's why Gausman was contrite despite a mostly fantastic effort.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
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The dispatches from one of India’s most troubled generic drug makers were contrite, filled with far-reaching promises to clean up its factory, stop contamination and send safe medication to Americans counting on the company’s drugs.—
Megan Rose,
ProPublica,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Over these last weeks, however, I have been nudged into a repentant apology by his profound take on our political crisis and a sincere and accurate Christian analysis of the problems and deliberate practical steps the individual Christian citizen can take during this holy season.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apologetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apologetic. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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