Someone just said I’m sorry — and now you’re not sure how to respond. You don’t want to say something cold, too casual, or awkward.
You’re here searching for better, clearer, or more thoughtful ways to say what you really mean. And as soon as you open this article, your problem is solved.
Different moments call for different replies. A friend apologizing feels different than a coworker, client, or even a stranger.
You may want to show forgiveness, keep it neutral, or stay professional. This guide gives you over 120 ways to respond when someone apologizes — so you’ll always have the right words ready.
Formal Ways to Respond When Someone Apologizes
These are respectful and polite ways to reply in serious, respectful, or distant settings.
- I appreciate your apology
- Thank you for acknowledging that
- It means a lot that you said that
- I accept your apology
- Let’s move forward
- I understand, and I appreciate your honesty
- Your apology is noted
- I respect your willingness to apologize
- Thank you for taking responsibility
- I appreciate your thoughtfulness
- Let’s put this behind us
- Thank you for clearing the air
- I recognize your effort to make things right
- I’m glad we’re addressing this
- Thank you — let’s focus on the future
- I see your sincerity and accept your apology
- Apology accepted — I hope we can learn from this
- That shows integrity — thank you
- I’m willing to move past this
- It takes courage to say that — thank you
- Let’s take this as a fresh start
- I acknowledge your words and your intent
- I appreciate your effort to repair the situation
- I value the accountability
- Thank you for being mature about this
- I hear you, and I’m open to moving on
- Thank you for your transparency
- I recognize the effort it took to say that
- I’m glad we could clear the air
- Let’s rebuild from here
Informal Ways to Respond When Someone Apologizes
Use these in casual conversations with friends, family, or someone you’re close with.
- It’s all good
- No worries at all
- Don’t stress about it
- We’re cool
- You’re fine, really
- It’s nothing — don’t even mention it
- I totally get it
- Happens to all of us
- No big deal
- I wasn’t upset, don’t worry
- Thanks for saying that, but we’re okay
- It’s already forgotten
- Nothing to be sorry for
- I know you didn’t mean it
- Let’s just move on
- It’s cool, let’s not dwell on it
- Water under the bridge
- We’re good, don’t overthink it
- Mistakes happen — I get it
- You’re human — all good
- I’ve been there too
- Thanks, but you really didn’t have to
- Let’s keep it moving
- Not a big deal, seriously
- I forgive you
- It’s behind us
- Thanks — I appreciate that
- No hard feelings
- We all slip up sometimes
- You’re still awesome in my book
Idiomatic Ways to Respond When Someone Apologizes
These replies add color, charm, and warmth to your response.
- No harm done
- Water under the bridge
- Let’s let bygones be bygones
- It’s ancient history now
- We’re back to square one — in a good way
- Don’t lose sleep over it
- No skin off my back
- We’re on good terms again
- That ship has sailed — and it’s all good
- Clean slate from here
- All’s forgiven
- Let’s shake it off
- Nothing to cry over
- No use crying over spilled milk
- We’ve patched things up
- Let’s bury the hatchet
- We’re cool as a cucumber
- I’ve turned the page
- That bump’s behind us
- I’ve chalked it up to experience
- Let’s not beat a dead horse
- The ice is broken
- We’ve smoothed it over
- That’s water off a duck’s back
- No more bad blood
- We’ve ironed it out
- It’s off my radar
- All smoothed over
- No grudges held
- The air’s clear now
Professional Ways to Respond When Someone Apologizes
These are appropriate in work settings — emails, meetings, or business discussions — where tone and professionalism matter.
- Thank you for your message — I appreciate the clarification
- I understand, and I appreciate your professionalism
- Thank you for addressing this promptly
- Apology acknowledged, and I appreciate the effort
- I value your transparency
- Thank you for taking responsibility
- I respect your honesty and your words
- I appreciate your integrity in this matter
- Let’s focus on resolving things moving forward
- Thank you for following up on this
- No hard feelings — let’s continue to work together constructively
- I’m glad we were able to clear things up
- Your apology is appreciated — let’s move ahead
- I recognize your intent and accept the apology
- Thank you for acknowledging the issue
- I understand the situation and I’m glad it’s resolved
- We all make mistakes — I’m happy to move forward
- Thanks for your thoughtful response
- I appreciate your message and value the partnership
- Let’s keep the focus on progress
- Thanks for your professionalism
- I appreciate your words — let’s take the next steps
- I value this conversation and our continued collaboration
- Thank you for taking the time to write
- Let’s treat this as a learning opportunity
- That means a lot — thank you
- Let’s realign and move ahead
- I’m glad we were able to address it
- Thanks for reaching out — I appreciate the care
- All noted — let’s move forward
Conclusion
Apologies are part of life — and so are good responses. Whether someone says I’m sorry in a personal or professional setting, the way you reply matters.
It sets the tone for healing, connection, and clarity. With these 120+ ways to respond, you can show kindness, keep it casual, or stay polished — every time.
