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You’ve just heard someone say I’m sorry or I apologize, and now you’re stuck wondering what to say back.
Do you go formal? Keep it chill? Add a bit of humor? If you’ve been searching for the perfect way to respond to an apology, your search ends here.
Different situations need different kinds of replies. Whether you’re accepting a heartfelt apology at work, brushing it off with a friend, or replying kindly but firmly, this article has over 120 ways to respond that suit every moment.
Formal Ways to Respond to an Apology
These are respectful, professional, or polite ways to accept or acknowledge an apology.
- I accept your apology
- Thank you for your apology
- I appreciate you taking the time to apologize
- It’s okay, I understand
- No harm done
- I accept and respect your honesty
- Let’s move forward from here
- I appreciate your sincerity
- Thank you for being upfront
- I respect your courage in saying that
- I understand that mistakes happen
- I appreciate your taking responsibility
- Let’s not dwell on it
- I accept your apology and hope we can move on
- It means a lot that you apologized
- I recognize your effort to make things right
- It’s water under the bridge
- I hold no grudge
- I understand your point of view now
- Thank you for acknowledging it
- I’m glad we can have this conversation
- Let’s put this behind us
- It’s been noted and accepted
- All is forgiven
- Your apology is accepted
- We can move forward now
- I understand things happen
- I appreciate the accountability
- I acknowledge your apology
- Thank you for owning up to it
Informal Ways to Respond to an Apology
These are relaxed and friendly ways to reply when someone says sorry in a casual context.
- No worries
- It’s all good
- Don’t sweat it
- We’re cool
- No big deal
- It happens
- All good, don’t think twice
- You’re good
- Eh, don’t worry about it
- It’s chill
- Happens to the best of us
- Don’t mention it
- Water under the bridge
- I’m over it
- We’re fine
- Don’t stress about it
- Forget about it
- We’re good, really
- It’s no problem
- I ain’t mad
- It didn’t bother me
- I forgive you
- Let’s just laugh it off
- No hard feelings
- Not a big thing
- I’ve already moved on
- No drama
- You didn’t mean it, so it’s fine
- We all mess up sometimes
- That’s in the past now
Idiomatic Ways to Respond to an Apology
These responses are creative, expressive, and often metaphorical—perfect when you want to sound human and natural.
- No use crying over spilled milk
- We’re back on track
- Let bygones be bygones
- It’s all water under the bridge
- No need to beat yourself up
- We’re square
- That ship has sailed
- No use holding a grudge
- We’ve patched things up
- You’re off the hook
- You said your piece, and I heard it
- It’s a wrap
- We’re back to smooth sailing
- I’m not losing sleep over it
- You’re good in my book
- No bridges burned here
- The air’s cleared now
- I’ll let it slide
- I’m not keeping score
- I’ve got no axe to grind
- That chapter’s closed
- I’ll take your word for it
- That’s behind us now
- Peace restored
- We’ve wiped the slate clean
- You’re out of the doghouse
- The dust has settled
- No bad blood
- We’ve buried the hatchet
- You’ve made your peace
Professional Ways to Respond to an Apology
These are ideal for workplace settings, client interactions, or any environment where politeness and clarity matter.
- Thank you for your apology, I appreciate it
- I acknowledge your apology and accept it
- Let’s move forward constructively
- I appreciate your professionalism in addressing this
- I value your accountability
- Thank you for taking responsibility
- I’m glad we could address this directly
- Let’s ensure it doesn’t happen again
- I appreciate the clarity and honesty
- Let’s keep our focus on solutions
- Thank you for your transparency
- I accept your apology and look forward to moving on
- I appreciate the gesture
- I understand things can go wrong
- I accept and respect your intention
- Thank you for addressing the matter
- I’m confident we can rebuild trust
- No further issues from my side
- Let’s take steps to improve moving forward
- Thank you for closing the loop on this
- I acknowledge the situation and your response
- I respect the effort you made to apologize
- I consider the matter resolved
- Your professionalism is noted
- Thank you for being proactive
- The situation is now understood and accepted
- Let’s continue with clarity and mutual respect
- I accept the apology, let’s reset
- Thank you, that means a lot
- I appreciate your thoughtful response
Conclusion
An apology is a powerful moment—and how you respond matters just as much. Whether you’re accepting it with grace, brushing it off with kindness, or replying with workplace professionalism, there’s always a way to meet the moment with the right words.
