63 Apology Quotes About Saying Sorry And Beyond

“I’m sorry.” These are the two words we often hesitate to say, yet they have the power to mend relationships and heal wounds. As we go through life, this set of Apology Quotes reminds us of the strength found in seeking forgiveness.

This article guides us on the art of apologizing, discussing signs of a sincere apology and messages of forgiveness. It also has sections showing its representation in music and literature.

Overall, this post explores the human capacity for humility, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Start reading today and embrace the transformative power of a heartfelt sorry.

Quick links to our selection of apology quotes:

Best Apology Quotes Everyone Should Read

Understanding how to apologize is a crucial life skill. We are all human and, thus, prone to making mistakes. At times, these mistakes impact others negatively. It's necessary, then, to know how to convey regret genuinely. 

An authentic apology becomes a bridge to healing and forgiveness. It also signifies respect towards the person you've wronged. This skill doesn't come naturally to everyone but can be learned with time and practice. 

Sorry is neither a degrading nor a useless word. It may not be easy to express, but it is worth it. May this first set of apology quotes amplify this message.

"The art of a sincere and heartfelt apology is one of the greatest skills you will ever learn."
- Jeanette LeBlanc

"A meaningful apology is one that communicates three R's: regret, responsibility, and remedy."
- Beverly Engel

"More people should apologize, and more people should accept apologies when sincerely made."
- Greg LeMond

"The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. The first to forget is the happiest."
- Unknown

"Any good apology has three parts: First, I'm sorry. Second, It's my fault. Third, What can I do to make it right? Most people forget the third part."
- Unknown

Apology Quotes On Finding The Right Words

Have you ever stood frozen before someone, trying to find the perfect words for an apology? It's normal, and the apology quotes below perfectly portray it. Our desire to show sincerity can leave us tongue-tied. We want to make it right, so we fear using the wrong words could further escalate the situation. 

But remember, an apology doesn't need to be a monologue or a fancy speech. The key is to express regret, take responsibility, and offer to rectify the situation if possible. Simplicity often prevails. It's the intent that matters, not the eloquence.

"But you know all about that, being sorry and having no words to say something when you know you should but you just can’t."
- Heather Gudenkauf

"I'm sorry.' The two most inadequate words in the English language."
- Beth Revis

"The words are all gone, the time’s been too long but it’s not too late to say I’m sorry to a friend."
- Edwin McCain

"Never forget the nine most important words of any family- I love you. You are beautiful. Please forgive me."
- H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Quotes About Apologizing With Humility

Humility is a requirement of an apology. The admission of a mistake is the first step, which can often be the hardest. The burden of ego often impedes this step, creating walls between people. But when we're humble enough to realize our mistakes, we find no room for ego. 

Apologies can then flow naturally and honestly. Go through the following apology quotes to embrace this vital virtue, or click on to our dedicated selection of humility quotes.

"Mistakes are always forgivable if one has the courage to admit them."
- Bruce Lee

"Never believe you're so great or important, so right or proud, that you cannot kneel at the feet of someone you hurt and offer a humble, sincere apology."
- Richelle E. Goodrich

"In order to turn around and do something better, we must first escape the vicious circle of self-righteousness and denial. And that calls for the humility to say ’I’m sorry. Please forgive me.’"
- Desmond Tutu

"Never ruin an apology with an excuse."
- Benjamin Franklin

"Pride and ego make a mockery of an apology. Humility wins forgiveness without question… so break ‘yo’self’!"
- T.F. Hodge

"It isn't always easy to apologize for your mistakes but doing so shows a person with a strong sense of self."
- Byron Pulsifer

Genuine Apology Quotes On Taking Responsibility

Acknowledging full responsibility is another crucial aspect of delivering a sincere apology, like what the apology quotes express below. Our humility allows us to recognize our mistakes, but true ownership encourages us to accept the consequences and take steps to amend them. 

We all know it can be challenging. It requires us to look beyond our pride, embrace the discomfort, and learn the lessons from it. By taking responsibility, we not only express genuine remorse but also the commitment to rectify the situation. 

Furthermore, this vital act slowly builds back the trust and opens a path to easier reconciliation.

"Apologies require taking full responsibility. No half-truths, no partial admissions, no rationalizations, no finger-pointing, and no justifications belong in any apology."
- Cathy Burnham Martin

"A genuine apology is like an eleventh-hour rain on a dusty crop. Grossly overdue, but miraculously just in time."
- Jacqueline A Bussie

"True remorse is never just a regret over consequence; it is a regret over motive."
- Mignon McLaughlin

"Apology is not about saying I’m sorry, but it is about the meaning you put behind the apology and admitting that you are the wrong part."
- Unarine Ramaru

Apology Quotes On Taking Action

As mentioned in the previous section, actions must take place to drive home the sincerity of one’s remorse.

Imagine this simple scenario: someone forgot an important appointment with you. A simple apology may soothe the surface, but the prompt rescheduling and adherence to it truly validate their apology.

Efforts to make amends, no matter how small, are powerful. They show the person you’ve hurt that you are not just aware of your mistake but you're also committed to making things right. 

Such actions amplify your words, transforming your apology from mere words into a tangible expression of your sincere regret. The following quotes about apology expand the point of this message.

"A sincere apology is analogous to authentic repentance."
- R. Alan Woods

"Apologies are great, but they don't really change anything. You know what does? Action."
- Stella Young

"Right actions in the future are the best apologies for bad actions in the past."
- Tyron Edwards

"Nothing wrong with apologizing, but saying I'm sorry does nothing when you continue to make the same mistakes."
- Unknown

"The only correct actions are those that demand no explanation and no apology."
- Red Auerbach

Quotes About Apologizing In Relationships

Apologizing is necessary in all types of relationships, whether they're romantic, platonic, or familial. When we say sorry, we take accountability for our actions, which is a sign of maturity and respect towards the other person. 

Importantly, swift apologies aid in maintaining a healthy relationship. Lingering misunderstandings can lead to fractures in relationships over time. Taking the initiative to sincerely apologize promptly promotes trust and openness. 

May these apology quotes guide us on how we handle conflicts with the people we love.

"In some families, please is described as the magic word. In our house, however, it was sorry."
- Margaret Laurence

"Apologizing does not always mean you’re wrong and the other person is right. It just means you value your relationship more than your ego."
- Mark Matthews

"When you realize you've made a mistake, make amends immediately. It's easier to eat crow while it's still warm."
- Dan Heist

"The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway."
- Henry Boye

"Saying ‘I’m sorry’ is saying ‘I love you’ with a wounded heart in one hand and your smothered pride in the other."
- Richelle E. Goodrich

"If you're going to do something tonight that you'll be sorry for tomorrow morning, sleep late."
- Henny Youngman

Warning Quotes About Apologies Getting Abused

At times, the act of apologizing can be misused, particularly when mistakes are repeated continuously. An apology loses its meaning when the offender doesn't try to change. Here, the importance of setting boundaries becomes clear. 

If you find yourself constantly on the receiving end of empty apologies, it may be time to establish clear lines of acceptable behavior. Know your worth as soon as possible because continual forgiving without evidence of change can be harmful. 

Keep the following apology quotes to remind yourself of this kind of scenario.

"Would ‘sorry' have made any difference? Does it ever? It's just a word. One word against a thousand actions."
- Sarah Ockler

"An apology can be a wonderful thing so long as it is infrequent and from the heart. However, beware of the person who justifies bad behavior with apologies. For them it is a means to an end, and quite often at your expense."
- Gary Hopkins

"If an apology is followed by an excuse or a reason, it means they are going to commit the same mistake again they just apologized for."
- Amit Kalantri

"A stiff apology is a second insult… The injured party does not want to be compensated because he has been wronged; he wants to be healed because he has been hurt."
- G.K. Chesterton

Positive Apology Quotes About Forgiveness

Even the most heartfelt apologies can sometimes meet with resistance, mainly when the resulting pain is deep. It's understandable when the person wronged finds it challenging to forgive. These are normal human emotions.

It's essential, however, to remember that forgiveness means setting your soul free. Carrying around anger or resentment is a heavy burden. While it doesn't erase the mistakes, it allows for an opportunity for healing. After the apology is accepted, move forward and let go of the past.

Constantly choose inner peace after reflecting on the following apology quotes.

"When you forgive, you free your soul. But when you say I’m sorry, you free two souls."
- Donald L. Hicks

"A sincere and warmly expressed apology can produce the same effects as morphine on a suffering soul."
- Richelle E. Goodrich

"It is incredible how many hurts can be healed by the two words, 'I'm sorry.'"
- Matshona Dhliwayo

"Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude."
- Martin Luther King Jr.

"The reality is people mess up, don’t let one mistake ruin a beautiful thing."
- Unknown

"An apology is the superglue of life! It can repair just about anything!"
- Lynn Johnston

Sorry Quotes To Improve Your Apologies

According to Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy, authors of "Sorry, Sorry, Sorry: The Case for Good Apologies," there are six steps to a sincere apology, echoing the earlier sections' point.

Begin by saying you're sorry, not words of regret or devastation, but the actual phrase "I'm sorry." Next, specify what you're apologizing for and show you understand the gravity of your wrongdoing. 

Then, avoid making excuses and take full ownership of what you’ve done. After that, assure the person that the issue won't repeat, discussing the steps you're taking to prevent it. 

Lastly, make reparations. Whether it's paying for damages or fixing a problem, this shows a genuine intention to amend the situation. While doing all of these, make sure to actively listen to what the person has to say. 

After taking notes from the quotes below, improve your apology message and learn to be more empathic by visiting our collection of compassion quotes.

"I overlooked your happiness in an attempt to make myself happy, only to realize that my happiness lies in yours. I am sorry, please forgive me."
-

"I deeply regret the pain I have caused you. Please know that my love for you is unwavering, and I'm willing to work tirelessly to mend our relationship."
-

"Sorry is a small word for the huge mistake I've made. But I'm ready to pay the price for my actions—just forgive me."
-

"Your kindness is a quality that I have often taken for granted. I deeply regret it and I am sorry. Please forgive me."
-

"With a bruised heart and a deflated ego, with sad soul and a head hung low. I apologize to you unconditionally."
-

"I want to say to each of you, simply, and directly, I am deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behavior I engaged in."
- Tiger Woods

"I’m not very good at saying sorry, but I apologize."
- Chris Kurtz

Famous Sorry Quotes From Music

The theme of saying sorry is heavily represented in music, demonstrating its universal importance. Artists often explore themes of regret and atonement in their songs, leading listeners to relate to the lyrics. 

Take, for instance, Taylor Swift's "Back to December," where she expresses remorse for a past relationship. Similarly, Nirvana's "All Apologies" resonates with Kurt Cobain’s regret for his actions. 

These songs, among countless others, resonate with us because they echo our own experiences and emotions. If you know the song, sing to the tunes of the sorry quotes below.

"So this is me swallowing my pride, standing in front of you saying I’m sorry for that night."
- Taylor Swift, Back to December

"You gotta go and get angry at all of my honesty. You know I try, but I don't do too well with apologies."
- Justin Bieber, Sorry

"Hello from the outside. At least I can say that I’ve tried to tell you I’m sorry for breaking your heart."
- Adele, Hello

"Everything is my fault, I'll take all the blame."
- Nirvana, All Apologies

"What do I say when it's all over? Sorry seems to be the hardest word."
- Blue feat. Elton John

Noteworthy Sorry Quotes From Literature

Like music, literature too, frequently explores the theme of apology. Authors often depict characters grappling with regret, leading to a soul-searching journey that drives character development in the story. 

For instance, Nicholas Sparks' "A Walk to Remember" talks about the transformative power of love and forgiveness. Such narratives offer us the opportunity to reflect on our own lives.

Reflect on the beautiful messages of the sorry quotes below.

"’I’m sorry’ I said again. Whenever someone tells you something said, it’s the only thing you can think to say, even if you’re already said it before."
- Nicholas Sparks

"The ability of a person to atone has always been the most remarkable of human features."
- Leon Uris

"An apology is a lovely perfume; it can transform the clumsiest moment into a gracious gift."
- Margaret Lee Runbeck

"Sorry doesn't take things back, but it pushes things forward. It bridges the gap. Sorry is a sacrament. It's an offering. A gift."
- Craig Silvey

Short Apology Quotes To Post On Social Media

In today's digital age, we have the capacity to normalize saying sorry. By sharing personal stories of reconciliation that stemmed from a heartfelt apology, we spread the benefits and importance of this action.

Moreover, when there are conflicts, let’s not use these platforms to talk about the issue. Resolve it privately. And when the person said sorry, say, “ apology accepted,” and move on.

Post the short apology quotes below and utilize the reach of social media today.

"An apology is only egotism wrong side out."
- Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

"Apologies aren’t meant to change the past, they are meant to change the future."
- Kevin Hancock

"An apology is saying the right thing after doing the wrong thing."
- Vikrant Parsai

"Be the hero of hearts; learn to say I’m sorry."
- Richelle E. Goodrich

"Apologies require vulnerability."
- Jennifer Thomas

"Not admitting a mistake is a bigger mistake."
- Robert Half

"An apology is a good way to have the last word."
- Unknown