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Apologetic
/əˌpɒləˈdʒɛtɪk/
Having the character of apology; regretfully excusing
📖 Definitions of "Apologetic"
adjective
- 1
Having the character of apology; regretfully excusing
"His tone was apologetic as he explained what had happened."
- 2
Defending by words or arguments; said or written in defense.
🔄 Synonyms of "Apologetic"
6 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| contritenoun | Sincerely penitent or feeling regret or sorrow, especially for one’s own actions. |
| defensivenoun | (chiefly sports) Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack. |
| self-deprecating | unassuming, modest |
| justificative | justificatory |
| justificatory | Providing or related to justification; justificational. |
| excusatory | serving to make an excuse |
↔️ Antonyms of "Apologetic"
Words with the opposite meaning.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| unapologetic | Not apologetic for having said or done something that causes actual or potential harm, especially when being apologetic would be appropriate. |
💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Apologetic"
Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| excusatory | serving to make an excuse |
| contrite | Sincerely penitent or feeling regret or sorrow, especially for one’s own actions. |
| justificative | justificatory |
| justificatory | Providing or related to justification; justificational. |
| self-deprecating | unassuming, modest |
| defensive | (chiefly sports) Pertaining to defense, as opposed to attack. |
| repentant | Feeling or showing sorrow for wrongdoing. |
| regretful | Sorrowful about what has been lost or done. |
| sorrynoun | (of a person) Regretful or apologetic for one's actions. |
| remorseful | (of a person) Feeling or filled with remorse. |
| penitentnoun | Feeling pain or sorrow on account of one's sins or offenses; feeling sincere guilt. |
| rueful | Causing, feeling, or expressing regret or sorrow, especially in a wry or humorous way. |
| self-accusing | — |
| self-reproachful | — |
| placatory | That placates; pacifying. |
| conciliatory | Willing to conciliate, or to make concessions. |
| penitentialnoun | Pertaining to penance or penitence. |
| compunctious | Exhibiting compunctions, scruples, feelings of guilt. |
| conscience-stricken | — |
| ashamed | (chiefly of someone in trouble and undergoing punishment for doing something wrong) Feeling shame or guilt. |
⚡ Words Strongly Associated with "Apologetic"
These words statistically appear in the same text as "apologetic" (Google Books Ngrams).
🎨 Adjectives for "Apologetic"
Popular adjectives used to describe this word in books.
🏷️ Nouns for "Apologetic"
Common nouns this word is used to describe.
📝 Common Phrases with "Apologetic"
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