apologizes
Expresses sincere regret
Apologizes is the act of expressing regret or saying sorry for a fault or offense.
Someone apologizes when they acknowledge wrongdoing: She apologizes for being late.
The word can also describe making a formal defense or justification, though this sense is rare outside the noun apology: He apologizes for nothing in his memoir.
Sorrow over past actions
- remorseGuilt for wrongdoing
- penitenceRemorse for misdeeds
- guiltMoral self-reproach
- repentantFeeling sorrow for misdeeds
contrite · sorrowful · ashamed · shamefaced · rueful · self-reproach · compunction · mea culpa
Compensation for wrongdoing
- peaceFreedom from disturbance
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
- healingRestoration of health
- accordHarmony between parties
harmony · reunion · settlement · truce · compromise · olive branch · repair · restoration
Formal withdrawal of statement
- clarificationMaking meaning plain
- statementExpressed claim or fact
- press releaseOfficial statement for media
- walkbackReversal of stated position
spokesperson · diplomatic incident · damage control · saving face · backpedal · disavow · reparations · acknowledgment
Official release from punishment
- mercyCompassion toward offenders
- clemencyMerciful treatment of offenders
- absolutionFormal clearing of guilt
- graceEffortless beauty of motion
understanding · compassion · acceptance · letting go · forgive · exoneration · reprieve · forbearance
regret
Sorrow over past actions
repentant · contrite · sorrowful · ashamed · shamefaced · rueful · self-reproach · compunction · mea culpa · atone
amends
Compensation for wrongdoing
- peaceFreedom from disturbance
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
- healingRestoration of health
accord · harmony · reunion · settlement · truce · compromise · olive branch · repair · restoration · bridge-building
retraction
Formal withdrawal of statement
- clarificationMaking meaning plain
- statementExpressed claim or fact
- press releaseOfficial statement for media
walkback · spokesperson · diplomatic incident · damage control · saving face · backpedal · disavow · reparations · acknowledgment · public relations
pardon
Official release from punishment
- mercyCompassion toward offenders
- clemencyMerciful treatment of offenders
- absolutionFormal clearing of guilt
grace · understanding · compassion · acceptance · letting go · forgive · exoneration · reprieve · forbearance · second chance
apologizesdefies
Openly resists or challenges
denies · doubles down · unapologetic · justifies · deflects
apologizesblames
Holds at fault
accuses · counterattacks · scapegoats · passes the buck · recriminates
- I apologizeExpression of remorse