1-Stop Dictionary Reference

Apologize

ahd-5

intransitive verb. To make excuse for or regretful acknowledgment of a fault or offense.

intransitive verb. To make a formal defense or justification in speech or writing.

The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

To make an apology or defense; speak or write in favor of some person or thing; offer defensive arguments.

To make an apology or excuse; acknowledge or express regret for a fault: followed by for: as, he apologized for his delay in replying.

To make or write an apology for; defend.

Also spelled apologise.

the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English

intransitive verb. To make an apology or defense.

intransitive verb. To make an apology or excuse; to make acknowledgment of some fault or offense, with expression of regret for it, by way of amends; -- with for; as, my correspondent apologized for not answering my letter.

transitive verb. To defend.

Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

verb. To make an apology or defence.

verb. To make an apology or excuse; to acknowledge some fault or offense, with expression of regret for it, by way of amends

verb. To express regret that a certain event has occurred.

WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

verb. defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning

verb. acknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing

Word Usage

"The same attitude that wants Obama to apologize is the same attitude that caused the white officer to arrest a black man in his own home."

Hypernym

Words that are more generic or abstract

defend fend for support

Hyponym

Words that are more specific

color colour extenuate gloss mitigate

Synonym

Words with the same meaning

alibi alibi out of apologize for ask forgiveness beg indulgence

verb-form

apologized apologizes apologizing