You’ve received an apology—but now you’re stuck. You want to say something more than a simple “okay” or “no worries.
” You’re looking for the right way to respond to an apology professionally, in a way that shows respect and keeps the relationship strong. Good news: you’ve just found the perfect guide.
Different situations call for different kinds of responses. Whether you’re replying to a coworker, a client, or your boss, the way you acknowledge an apology can build trust or break it.
Below, you’ll find 120+ professional, casual, idiomatic, and formal ways to respond to an apology, so you’re ready for every kind of moment.
Formal Ways to Say “Respond to an Apology Professionally”
These phrases show grace, maturity, and professionalism in formal settings.
- I appreciate your honesty
- Thank you for your apology
- Apology accepted, let’s move forward
- I respect your willingness to make things right
- I value your accountability
- I accept your apology and hold no ill will
- Let’s work together to ensure this doesn’t happen again
- I’m glad you reached out
- It takes integrity to apologize—thank you
- I accept your apology and appreciate your thoughtfulness
- I understand mistakes happen—thank you for your sincerity
- I’m grateful for your acknowledgement
- Your apology is appreciated, and I look forward to moving ahead
- I respect your response and accept your apology
- It’s reassuring to hear that from you
- Thank you for taking responsibility
- We all make mistakes, and I’m glad you’ve addressed it
- I welcome your apology and am happy to move on
- That means a lot—thank you
- The gesture is noted and appreciated
- I value open and honest communication
- Thank you for your transparency
- It’s good to have clarity—thank you
- I see your intention and accept your words
- That’s appreciated, and I’m ready to move forward
- I accept and appreciate your efforts
- Thank you for your professionalism
- I recognize the effort behind your apology
- Your words matter—thank you for sharing them
- I hope we can move ahead with mutual respect
Informal Ways to Say “Respond to an Apology Professionally”
Here are casual, kind responses for friendly or low-pressure work situations.
- No worries at all
- It’s okay, we’re good
- All is forgiven
- Thanks for saying that
- No hard feelings
- We’ve all been there
- It’s behind us now
- Don’t sweat it
- Thanks, I appreciate it
- We’re cool
- Let’s move past it
- It’s fine, I understand
- You’re good
- It happens
- That’s thoughtful of you
- It’s water under the bridge
- We’re all human
- It’s not a big deal
- I know you didn’t mean to
- Don’t worry about it
- Apology accepted
- We’re on the same page
- Let’s keep going
- No problem at all
- Thanks for owning it
- That means something, thanks
- I hear you
- I’m over it
- Thanks for stepping up
- You’re forgiven
Idiomatic Ways to Say “Respond to an Apology Professionally”
These responses are polite but pack personality and warmth.
- No harm, no foul
- We can let bygones be bygones
- Water under the bridge
- Let’s turn the page
- We’re back on track
- It’s ancient history
- Clean slate moving forward
- Consider it forgotten
- Let’s chalk it up to experience
- All is forgiven and forgotten
- That’s behind us
- No bridges burned
- Let’s shake it off
- It’s dust in the wind
- We’re square
- No need to dwell on it
- All good on my end
- I won’t hold it against you
- Let’s bury the hatchet
- No bones about it—we’re good
- Let’s move on and keep building
- No more hard feelings
- The air is cleared
- That settles it for me
- We’re good as gold now
- Thanks for making peace
- The olive branch is accepted
- Message received loud and clear
- Peace restored
- All part of the learning curve
Professional Ways to Say “Respond to an Apology Professionally”
These are polished, respectful responses perfect for workplace emails, meetings, or written acknowledgments.
- Thank you for your apology. I appreciate your accountability
- I understand and accept your apology
- I appreciate you taking the time to clarify
- Thank you for your transparency and professionalism
- Let’s use this as an opportunity to improve our communication
- Your message is received and appreciated
- I recognize the effort behind this and accept your apology
- I appreciate your commitment to resolving the issue
- Thank you for addressing this with maturity
- I’m confident we can move forward positively
- Thank you for handling this responsibly
- Let’s continue working together with mutual respect
- I value your honesty and your words
- We all face challenges—thank you for making it right
- I appreciate your response and look forward to better outcomes
- I respect your approach and am open to moving forward
- Thank you for being proactive in reaching out
- I’m glad we can clear the air professionally
- Apology accepted. Let’s refocus on our goals
- I appreciate your integrity
- This reflects well on your professionalism—thank you
- I’m committed to keeping a strong working relationship
- Let’s both learn from this and continue to grow
- Thank you for following up with clarity
- I’m open to moving forward with a clean slate
- I’m happy we’ve reached understanding
- Thank you for your thoughtful message
- I appreciate your effort to resolve this
- This means a lot in maintaining trust
- Let’s build on this positively
Conclusion
Responding to an apology with grace is a skill that builds stronger teams and healthier relationships.
Whether you’re keeping it formal, friendly, idiomatic, or strictly professional, the way you reply shows emotional intelligence.
These 120+ options help you show respect while maintaining dignity.
Practice these responses and use the ones that fit your tone, role, and relationship.
A thoughtful reply not only mends misunderstandings—it strengthens connections.
