apologize
10 synonyms for apologize, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To say sorry; to express regret for a mistake or wrongdoing.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use apologize
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
apologize for
apologize profusely
apologize to someone
Etymology
From "apology" plus the verb-forming suffix "-ize," ultimately from Greek apologia, "a speech in one's defense."
Full origin of apologize →Frequently asked questions
What does “apologize” mean?
The word “apologize” means to say sorry; to express regret for a mistake or wrongdoing. In plain terms, to tell someone you're sorry for something you did or said.
How do you pronounce “apologize”?
“Apologize” is pronounced uh-PO-luh-jyz (/əˈpɑləˌd͡ʒaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “apologize” in a sentence?
Here is “apologize” used in a sentence: “He apologized to his sister for forgetting her birthday.”
What part of speech is “apologize”?
“Apologize” is a verb.
Where does the word “apologize” come from?
The word “apologize” comes from Greek. From "apology" plus the verb-forming suffix "-ize," ultimately from Greek apologia, "a speech in one's defense.".
Is “apologize” a common word?
“Apologize” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between "apologize" and "apologise"?
They are the same verb with identical meaning; the difference is only spelling. "Apologize" is the standard American spelling, while "apologise" is common in British and Australian English.
Do you say "apologize to" or "apologize for"?
You apologize TO a person and apologize FOR an action. For example, you apologize to your friend for being late, using "to" before the offended party and "for" before the mistake.
What is the difference between "apologize" and "say sorry"?
Both mean to express regret for a mistake, but "apologize" is slightly more formal and complete, often implying acknowledgement of fault. "Say sorry" is more conversational and can be used for minor slips.
Is it correct to say "I apologize for the inconvenience"?
Yes, "I apologize for the inconvenience" is a standard, polite formula, especially in customer service and business writing. It expresses regret for trouble caused without necessarily admitting serious wrongdoing.
