apologetic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And when I spoke to Bisognano the day of the Virginia referendum, there was a lightly apologetic undertone to the conversation.

From Slate • Apr. 22, 2026

Sonny finds himself tripping over his ineptitude and tangled up in conflicting sympathies—he’s almost as anxious as his hostages, whom he treats with an apologetic kindliness, almost like a party crasher who’s broken a vase.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

That extra marbling translates into depth, tenderness and a loaf that tastes intentional rather than apologetic.

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026

An apologetic Safdie demonstrated winding out wide and pounding down, the champ mastered the new skill by the sixth take, and the director lived to fight another day.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 10, 2025

I get giddy couples asking for champagne delivery, and apologetic businessmen telephoning home to announce their delayed arrivals, and tired mothers searching for all-night chemists to provide cough syrup for sick children.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse