as in confessing
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.
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Recent Examples of apologizing
But Donovan praised the center for his physicality and mindset, sharing an anecdote about Collins apologizing to the coach for not being available after the medical team made its decision Saturday.
—
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
In police bodycam video, Richardson can be seen apologizing to the deputy.
—Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
Here’s how to rebuild confidence, presence and momentum without overexplaining, apologizing or disappearing.
—Lorraine K. Lee, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
The show helps young viewers learn social skills like sharing, apologizing, and managing big feelings.
—Kara Nesvig, Parents, 22 Jan. 2026
The moment comes when Fields stops, apologizing to her tribemates through tears.
—David Canfield, Vanity Fair, 20 Jan. 2026
Poppy initially hesitates but ends up apologizing to Sarah, admitting that her deep connection with Alex had gotten in the way of her relationship.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026
Hilton and local operators of the Hampton Inn Lakeville property released statements within hours apologizing and said the messages refusing to serve agents who were focused on immigration enforcement didn’t reflect their policies.
—Mars King, Twin Cities, 6 Jan. 2026
During their sentencing, both Hildebrandt and Ruby spoke about their crimes, with Ruby admitting to abusing her children and apologizing to them.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
In police bodycam video, Richardson can be seen apologizing to the deputy.
—Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
Here’s how to rebuild confidence, presence and momentum without overexplaining, apologizing or disappearing.
—Lorraine K. Lee, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
The show helps young viewers learn social skills like sharing, apologizing, and managing big feelings.
—Kara Nesvig, Parents, 22 Jan. 2026
The moment comes when Fields stops, apologizing to her tribemates through tears.
—David Canfield, Vanity Fair, 20 Jan. 2026
Poppy initially hesitates but ends up apologizing to Sarah, admitting that her deep connection with Alex had gotten in the way of her relationship.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026
Hilton and local operators of the Hampton Inn Lakeville property released statements within hours apologizing and said the messages refusing to serve agents who were focused on immigration enforcement didn’t reflect their policies.
—Mars King, Twin Cities, 6 Jan. 2026
During their sentencing, both Hildebrandt and Ruby spoke about their crimes, with Ruby admitting to abusing her children and apologizing to them.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apologizing
Verb
-
The two erupt in argument, in misunderstanding, with John confessing his anger at his lot.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
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First there was Norwegian’s Sturla Holm Lægreid confessing to cheating on his girlfriend during a live interview after winning the bronze medal and tearfully begging her to come back (shockingly, humiliating his ex on national television didn’t work).—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Americans must hold the president to a higher standard and stop excusing him like a misbehaving child from a broken home.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
7 Feb. 2026
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But there’s no excusing Josh Allen’s four turnovers.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
And Page [McConnell]is sitting backstage with him in one of the dressing rooms explaining that.—
Alison Weinflash,
Rolling Stone,
18 Feb. 2026
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Beyond Herrington, current Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has prioritized teaching and explaining Bezos’s principles internally, even launching video explanations of each one to help employees interpret them.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Every department should be submitting regular reports justifying expenses, if not their own continued existence.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
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There were outings when Flaherty looked every bit the best version of himself, justifying the Detroit Tigers’ decision to reunite with him after trading him at the 2024 deadline.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Apologizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apologizing. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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