What does apologize mean?
Apologize means (intransitive, often followed by “for”) To make an apology or excuse; to acknowledge some fault or offense, with expression of regret for it, by way of amends.
Apologize
/əˈpɒl.əˌd͡ʒaɪz/ · verb
Meaning
(intransitive, often followed by “for”) To make an apology or excuse; to acknowledge some fault or offense, with expression of regret for it, by way of amends.
Definitions by Sense
- (intransitive, often followed by “for”) To make an apology or excuse; to acknowledge some fault or offense, with expression of regret for it, by way of amends
- (intransitive) To express regret that a certain event has occurred.
- (intransitive, dated) To make an apologia or defense; to act as apologist.
Example Sentences
My correspondent apologized for not answering my letter.
Today I want to apologize to my co-workers.
Barnes was commanded, with Garrett and Jerome, to make a public acknowledgment of his errors; and to apologize especially for his insolent language to Gardiner
To this purpose the most witty, cautious and subtile ſort of the Pagans apologize for themselves
Synonyms for apologize
Antonyms for apologize
Related Words
Word Forms
- apologizes
- apologizing
- apologized
- apologise
Usage Notes
Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.
Practice and Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a synonym for apologize?
Common synonyms include excuse, justify, rationalize, apologise.
What is the opposite of apologize?
The opposite depends on the specific sense.
How do you use apologize in a sentence?
My correspondent apologized for not answering my letter.
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.