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
-
River, tree, sorry, adder, stink, future, plughole.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
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The city is home to endless freeways, not-great public transportation, dry air and hard water, clout-chasing name-droppers, oppressive wellness culture, and $20 status smoothies (which are delicious, sorry to say).—
Rachel Brodsky,
Rolling Stone,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Krawiec said those services help her focus on school without feeling ashamed for asking for help.—
Nick Lunemann,
CBS News,
15 Dec. 2025
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Sarah’s sister, the missing girl’s mother, prays with desperate hope for her own child, yet feels ashamed—a heartbreakingly human reaction in the face of such horror.—
Nuri Kino,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Dec. 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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The two end up drinking together, and the next morning, Rebecca wakes up in his bed, regretful of the one-night stand.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
21 Dec. 2025
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Tsukasa is 26 and feeling a little wayward, regretful about his late start in figure skating.—
Kambole Campbell,
Vulture,
9 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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This and that ▪ Dolphins rookie running back Ollie Gordon II was contrite about lashing out at running backs coach Eric Studesville in a heated exchange after Gordon was called for a tripping penalty against Baltimore.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
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That's why Gausman was contrite despite a mostly fantastic effort.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
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 8 Jan. 2026.
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