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

Multiple seniors from Nebraska’s team apologized to their fans, who were the majority in the stands, after the decision was announced. — Doha Madani, NBC news, 7 Sep. 2026

Cudi claims that those not close to Ye can’t see the progress he’s made on his mental health; early this year, Ye apologized in an ad taken out of the WSJ in January for his antisemitic behavior. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2026

The commissioner formally apologized to players in 2024 for not sufficiently condemning, during an appearance on CNBC, hate speech around the league. — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Target recently received backlash for 'offensive' Halloween costume This comes on the heels of Target apologizing in late August for a Halloween circus clown costume that critics said appeared to conjure Blackface and 19th-century minstrel shows. — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026