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apologize for

VERB

defend

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advocate argue assert back champion endorse explain guarantee justify maintain stand by support uphold

STRONG

aid befriend espouse exculpate exonerate plead rationalize recommend second stonewall sustain vindicate warrant

WEAK

back up bear one out come to defense of cover for go to bat for prove a case put in a good word ride shotgun for say in defense speak up for stand up for stick up for thump for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

oppose protest reject

STRONG

accuse blame condemn

WEAK

abandon attack deny forsake relinquish renounce

VERB

excuse

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acquit condone defend exempt exonerate explain forgive indulge let go pardon relieve spare tolerate

STRONG

alibi appease clear cover discharge exculpate extenuate free liberate mitigate overlook pretext purge rationalize release remit reprieve shrive vindicate whitewash

WEAK

bear with dispense from exempt from give absolution grant amnesty let off make allowances for pass over plead ignorance shrug off take rap for wink at

Antonyms

STRONGEST

accuse blame censure charge condemn damn hurt punish sentence

STRONG

aggravate hold incite irritate keep limit maintain prevent restrain reveal

VERB

justify

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advocate condone confirm countenance defend explain favor maintain rationalize support sustain uphold validate vindicate warrant

STRONG

absolve acquit alibi approve assert brief claim clear contend crawl establish exculpate excuse exonerate legalize palliate pardon plead rebut square verify

WEAK

answer for argue for be answerable for bear out cop a plea do justice to make allowances make good show cause speak in favor stand up for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

attack condemn contradict deny desert disapprove neglect oppose refuse reject veto

STRONG

accuse blame charge convict damn disagree disprove incriminate invalidate punish sentence

VERB

palliate

Synonyms

STRONG

abate allay alleviate assuage camouflage cloak conceal condone cover diminish disguise dissemble ease exculpate excuse extenuate hide justify lessen lighten mask minimize mitigate moderate mollify prettify qualify relieve screen soften soothe sugarcoat temper varnish veil veneer vindicate white whiten whitewash

WEAK

gloze hush up make light of put on a Band-Aid quick fix

Antonyms

STRONG

accuse aggravate agitate allow blacken blame burden condemn darken depress disclose divulge enlarge expose extend incite increase intensify irritate lay bare let out magnify open prolong provoke reveal sentence show strip tell trouble uncover unmask upset worry worsen

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.

“I was a person who felt I had to apologize for existing before I would voice my opinion about anything,” Davis recalled.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

ABC late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel explained his controversial joke about First Lady Melania Trump, but declined to apologize for offending her.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

To clients who apologize for crying or for asking questions that veer into their personal lives, Eberle tells them, “This is an emotional process and I’m here to get you through it.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

“This is your home. I knocked on your door because I genuinely want to know what you think. Please don’t apologize for sharing your opinion,” I told them.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

Ivy wanted to go after her and apologize for getting her into trouble, but Layla called her name and waved her over.

From "Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World" by Ashley Herring Blake

apologize for

Example Sentences

Related Words