as in sorry
feeling sorrow for a wrong that one has done
was profusely apologetic after accidentally breaking a treasured plate
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of apologetic
On Monday morning, according to Yakko, Kirchner was apologetic but seemed conflicted.
—
Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2025
Dick Cheney was never apologetic about his approach to this.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 21 Nov. 2025
The man was blocked by another man and forced to back up while being shouted down by apologetic patrons of the restaurant, the video shows.
—Dennis Romero, NBC news, 12 Nov. 2025
During training, Lozano’s Instagram account posted an apologetic message in English.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apologetic
Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2025
Dick Cheney was never apologetic about his approach to this.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 21 Nov. 2025
The man was blocked by another man and forced to back up while being shouted down by apologetic patrons of the restaurant, the video shows.
—Dennis Romero, NBC news, 12 Nov. 2025
During training, Lozano’s Instagram account posted an apologetic message in English.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apologetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apologetic
Adjective
-
In the footage, Rivera is initially apologetic to the trooper who pulls him over, saying sorry for going through a red light.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Bloom’s Keiwon Gulley is too irrepressible and in the moment to ever feel sorry for himself.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Going for the black puffer coat is nothing to be ashamed of.—
Frances Solá-Santiago,
InStyle,
25 Jan. 2026
-
He would be honored in Alex’ sacrifice, and ashamed of this current administration.—
Ivan Pereira,
ABC News,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
During his years behind bars, the 81 year old became reflective and remorseful, though no less colorful.—
Johnny Dodd,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Is DeAngelo remorseful for his crimes?—
Camryn Dadey,
Sacbee.com,
10 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
The two end up drinking together, and the next morning, Rebecca wakes up in his bed, regretful of the one-night stand.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
21 Dec. 2025
-
Tsukasa is 26 and feeling a little wayward, regretful about his late start in figure skating.—
Kambole Campbell,
Vulture,
9 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
If young Laveranues ever let a profanity slip in front of his mother, the contrite child put two hands to his chest and apologized sincerely.—
Dan Pompei,
New York Times,
2 Dec. 2025
-
This and that ▪ Dolphins rookie running back Ollie Gordon II was contrite about lashing out at running backs coach Eric Studesville in a heated exchange after Gordon was called for a tripping penalty against Baltimore.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Johnson wrote in a letter in the filing to the Illinois review board that Hoover is repentant and has the potential and the desire to live the rest of his life as a force for good in his community.—
Beatrice Peterson,
ABC News,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Perry had been reluctant to engage with recovery groups in the past, which are often structured around repentant confessions.—
Katy Golvala,
Hartford Courant,
4 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apologetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apologetic. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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