apologize

[uh-pol-uh-jahyz] / əˈpɒl əˌdʒaɪz /

VERB

express remorse, regret

Synonyms

STRONGEST

atone confess retract withdraw

STRONG

crawl purge square

WEAK

admit guilt ask forgiveness ask pardon beg pardon bow to clear oneself cop a plea cop out excuse oneself get down on knees give satisfaction make amends make reparations make up for make up with offer compensation offer excuse say one is sorry

Antonyms

WEAK

defy

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.

Locals apologize for the trash piling up on street corners, as garbage pickup has halted.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

He added: "I sincerely apologize for this, but I am continuing my efforts to improve."

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

"I sincerely apologize for this, but I am continuing my efforts to improve," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Following the hearing, Paul called Mullin’s refusal to apologize “unacceptable.”

From Salon • Mar. 18, 2026

“Maybe I should apologize for what I said about his mom,” I say.

From "Invisible Inkling" by Emily Jenkins