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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of apologetic
The new letter comes after shorter apologetic statements from BAFTA and Davidson were published on Monday.
—
Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 24 Feb. 2026
The Frenchman fluffed his lines in the first half, skewing wide on his left foot when well placed in front of goal, and also saw an almost apologetic effort blocked shortly before Bournemouth’s equaliser.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Creative work becomes pre-apologetic.
—Richard P. Weigand, Rolling Stone, 30 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for apologetic
Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 24 Feb. 2026
The Frenchman fluffed his lines in the first half, skewing wide on his left foot when well placed in front of goal, and also saw an almost apologetic effort blocked shortly before Bournemouth’s equaliser.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Creative work becomes pre-apologetic.
—Richard P. Weigand, Rolling Stone, 30 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for apologetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apologetic
Adjective
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Doing anything 98 times is a lot, and that certainly applies to the world’s most popular and prestigious award show (sorry about it, Alfred Nobel).—
Vulture Editors,
Vulture,
15 Mar. 2026
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Pedro Neto said sorry for pushing a ball boy during Chelsea’s defeat at Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, and also gave the kid his shirt — but UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the winger regardless.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Many parents feel ashamed to ask for help, but reaching out builds connection and shows strength, not failure.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
3 Mar. 2026
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The mom finally revealed that her daughter was taking weight loss supplements but had been too ashamed to say so.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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She's been remorseful since day 1.—
March 16,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Melling’s scenes all took place in the objectively less exciting muggle universe, occurring along a fairly straightforward arc from spoiled bully to remorseful young adult.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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And the conflict behind it all dates back to a regretful college recruitment and housing decision.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Mar. 2026
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My regretful error was not planning to give myself enough time to properly shop.—
Colleen McNally Arnett,
Southern Living,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Despite reading Whitney’s letter at least twice, Henry — a narcissist — seems baffled that Whitney is not more contrite.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
23 Feb. 2026
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When one woman sees her bad behavior caught on camera, she’s initially contrite.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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 19 Mar. 2026.
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