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

Trump refused to apologize, however, and a staffer was later blamed for making the post. — Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

In his post-match interview, the Serb apologized while speaking with Annabel Croft on court. — Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has apologized to the owner of an unoccupied vehicle he’s accused of hitting, the family said in a statement. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026

JoongAng Group vice chair Hong Jeong-do apologized at a news conference. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 July 2026