Someone just said sorry — now you’re stuck trying to find the right words to say back. You don’t want to brush it off too lightly, and you also don’t want to make things awkward. Maybe you’ve searched how to respond when someone says sorry, hoping for the perfect list. Well, here it is.
Different moments need different replies. Sometimes, you need a formal response. Other times, a simple, casual line will do. Whether you’re texting a friend, talking with a coworker, or replying to an apology in an email, this article gives you over 120 ways to say the right thing at the right time.
Formal Ways to Respond When Someone Says Sorry
Use these phrases when the setting is respectful, serious, or polite — like with colleagues, strangers, or formal conversations.
- I accept your apology
- Thank you for your apology
- Your apology is appreciated
- I understand and appreciate your honesty
- Thank you for taking responsibility
- I respect your sincerity
- I acknowledge your apology
- I appreciate your thoughtfulness
- Thank you for expressing that
- I know that was not easy to say
- I recognize your effort to make things right
- That means a lot
- Thank you for clarifying
- Your words are appreciated
- Apology noted and accepted
- I value your honesty
- Let us move forward from here
- Your message was received with respect
- I can see that you meant it
- I appreciate your courage in saying that
- Thank you for your understanding
- That takes maturity — thank you
- I’m glad we talked about it
- I respect your willingness to apologize
- I understand your point now
- Let’s start fresh
- Thanks for being open about it
- I acknowledge how you feel
- I appreciate your explanation
- It’s clear you care about making things better
Informal Ways to Respond When Someone Says Sorry
These casual replies are great for everyday chats with friends, partners, or close contacts.
- It’s all good
- No worries
- Don’t sweat it
- We’re cool
- It happens
- All is forgiven
- No big deal
- I’m over it
- Forget it
- It’s not the end of the world
- Happens to the best of us
- Water under the bridge
- Don’t think twice about it
- It’s chill
- We’re fine
- You’re good
- It’s okay, really
- No hard feelings
- That’s in the past
- Nothing to worry about
- Let’s move on
- Thanks for saying that
- Just glad we cleared it up
- I’m not mad
- Mistakes happen
- Thanks, we’re good
- Not a big deal at all
- It didn’t bother me that much
- All clear
- No drama here
Idiomatic Ways to Respond When Someone Says Sorry
These fun and expressive phrases sound natural and friendly while showing understanding or acceptance.
- Let’s let bygones be bygones
- No harm, no foul
- Been there, done that
- Shake it off
- Water under the bridge
- Don’t lose sleep over it
- We’re back on track
- I’ll let it slide
- We’re square
- That ship has sailed
- It’s ancient history now
- We’ve all had those moments
- You’re off the hook
- Let’s wipe the slate clean
- I’m not holding a grudge
- It’s in the rearview mirror
- No bridges burned
- All patched up
- It’s nothing to write home about
- Just a bump in the road
- It’s behind us now
- Chalk it up to a bad day
- That’s water under the bridge
- The dust has settled
- No point crying over spilled milk
- You’re forgiven and forgotten
- I’m cool with it
- We’re good as gold
- Let’s turn the page
- All smoothed over
Professional Ways to Respond When Someone Says Sorry
Use these phrases in workplace settings, emails, or business discussions where tone, clarity, and professionalism matter.
- Thank you for acknowledging that
- I appreciate your response
- I value your honesty
- Apology accepted, and I appreciate the message
- Thank you for your professionalism
- I accept your apology and look forward to moving forward
- Let’s keep things constructive moving ahead
- Thank you for taking the time to clarify
- I appreciate your thoughtful message
- Thank you for your transparency
- Apology noted — let’s continue productively
- It’s important that we talked about it
- Let’s work together to move past this
- I understand, and I’m ready to move forward
- We can move on with mutual respect
- I appreciate your accountability
- Thanks for handling this professionally
- Let’s keep our focus on progress
- Thank you for addressing the matter
- I respect your willingness to reach out
- Let’s resolve this and keep moving forward
- I appreciate your follow-up
- Thanks for your thoughtful approach
- We all make mistakes — let’s move ahead
- Thank you for being direct
- Let’s put this behind us
- I value your intention to make things right
- I’m happy we’re resolving this constructively
- It means a lot to hear that
- Apology acknowledged — let’s reset
Conclusion
Knowing how to respond when someone says sorry is more than just being polite.
It’s about connection, communication, and keeping relationships strong — at work, at home, and everywhere in between.
By choosing the right tone for each situation, you show understanding, kindness, and confidence.
Practice using these phrases when the moment comes, and you’ll always have the right words ready.
