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
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
Eventually, he was escorted out of the event space, with Palmer looking concerned for him and apologetic toward her co-stars and the crowd.
—William Earl, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
In a lengthy and apologetic statement, Altman claimed that OpenAI was now altering the terms of its Pentagon deal to explicitly prohibit the use of its AI systems to surveil US citizens, exhibiting a degree of people-pleasing normally witnessed in its sycophantic chatbots.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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
Eventually, he was escorted out of the event space, with Palmer looking concerned for him and apologetic toward her co-stars and the crowd.
—William Earl, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
In a lengthy and apologetic statement, Altman claimed that OpenAI was now altering the terms of its Pentagon deal to explicitly prohibit the use of its AI systems to surveil US citizens, exhibiting a degree of people-pleasing normally witnessed in its sycophantic chatbots.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apologetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apologetic
Adjective
-
Just what exactly are the toilet – sorry, lavatory – arrangements for VIP guests at the state banquet when it is held in a tent?—
Rob Crilly,
The Washington Examiner,
24 Apr. 2026
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The four-speed, oscillating fan isn’t particularly fancy (sorry, no Matter support), but with summer right around the corner, the staff favorite is a practical pickup that can blow air up to 34 feet away.—
Brandon Widder,
The Verge,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Mayor Gloria and the City Council should be ashamed of themselves.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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May the world know that Americans are ashamed and suffering and locked into despair and destruction, which now affects the world.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Horner did not seem remorseful in the interview, Espinoza said.—
Amy McDaniel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Apr. 2026
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Todd Kesterson of Kaufman Rossin said his remorseful clients aren't necessarily strapped for cash, but are frequently displeased when their children's fortunes exceed theirs.—
Hayley Cuccinello,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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But even a wildly successful World Cup month might be looked back on as a regretful case of what-ifs.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
17 Apr. 2026
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The camera continues zooming out, revealing more segments of people, seemingly alluding to all the lives Park has destroyed in her quest for greed and power, which has ultimately left her regretful.—
Skyler Trepel,
PEOPLE,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Did Ye really write, or at least authorize, that contrite statement in the Wall Street Journal?—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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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
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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 29 Apr. 2026.
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