Synonyms of apologize

apologize

verb

as in to confess

to express regret for doing or saying something wrong

I want to apologize to you for my rude behavior yesterday.

We apologize for the mistake and promise that it won't happen again.

Related Words

• confess
• excuse
• explain
• justify
• atone
• explain away
• rationalize
• mitigate
• extenuate
• minimize
• gloss (over)
• palliate
• whitewash
• account (for)
• deodorize
• sugarcoat
• varnish
• alleviate
• soften
• exonerate
• play down
• temper
• vindicate
• gloze (over)
• lighten
• moderate
• absolve
• exculpate
• soft-pedal
• acquit
• ease
• lessen
• clear

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of apologize

Wayne orders Priscilla to shoot Lucky, who is preparing for the worst and apologizing to God. — Derek Lawrence, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026

In the second note, the writer claimed Nancy Guthrie had died, been buried, and apologized to her family. — Charlie Carballo, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

Once baby Arlo was delivered, the first thing Rakes did was apologize to the receptionist. — Georgia Slater, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026

West eventually apologized in a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal in January, blaming his comments on bipolar disorder and a brain injury. — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026