101+ Powerful Apology Quotes: Words to Help You Say Sorry

A well-timed quote can be very powerful. When you feel guilt, regret, or sadness, the right words can help. Sometimes, emotions make it hard to speak. Apology quotes can say what you feel when you can’t find your own words. They help heal wounds, show you are sorry, or admit you made a mistake. These quotes often express things better than we can ourselves.

Someone else may have already said what you want to say. That’s why we put together this collection of apology quotes, including famous lines and special words for lovers and friends.

Whether you’re searching for saying sorry quotes, quotes about apologizing, or words of apology for a specific situation, this list will help you express your sincerity and, hopefully, begin to mend what’s been broken.

Famous & Insightful Apology Quotes

Quotes from well-known figures offer timeless wisdom about owning up to mistakes and seeking forgiveness. These famous apology quotes remind us that saying sorry is not a sign of weakness but of growth. 

1. Never ruin an apology with an excuse. – Benjamin Franklin
2. Apologies only account for that which they do not alter. – Benjamin Disraeli
3. Right actions in the future are the best apologies for bad actions in the past. – Tryon Edwards
4. An apology is the superglue of life. It can repair just about anything. – Lynn Johnston
5. Forgiveness is the sweetest revenge. – Isaac Friedmann
6. Mistakes are always forgivable if one dares to admit them. – Bruce Lee
7. A stiff apology is a second insult. – G.K. Chesterton
8. The ability of a person to atone has always been the most remarkable of human features. – Leon Uris

Heartfelt “I Am Sorry” Quotes

Sometimes, the simplest and most sincere words carry the most weight. These “I am sorry quotes” speak directly to the heart, helping you express deep regret and seek forgiveness. 

1. I’m sorry. I know I messed up. I’ll do whatever it takes to make it right.
2. I regret my actions, not because they hurt me, but because they hurt you.
3. No words can express how sorry I am, but I hope my actions speak louder.
4. Sorry is a small word for the huge mistake I’ve made.
5. Please forgive me. I can’t imagine life without you.
6. No words can express how deeply sorry I am, but I hope my actions will.
7. I messed up. I hurt you. I am sorry. Please let me make it right.
8. I’m not perfect, but I’m trying. Please accept my apology and let’s start anew.

Apology Quotes About Forgiveness

These quotes remind us how powerful forgiveness is—for both the one who apologizes and the one who forgives.

1. The scent that the violet releases on the heel that crushed it is forgiveness.
2. To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was you.
3. An apology is the first step; forgiveness is the journey.
4. Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.
5. True forgiveness is when you can say, ‘Thank you for that experience.
6. A sincere apology can be the beginning of healing.
7. When you forgive, you free not just them, but yourself.
8. Without forgiveness, a never-ending cycle of bitterness and revenge rules existence.
9. Forgiveness is the final form of love.
10. Apologizing shows strength, but forgiving shows power.

Apology Quotes for Her (Love & Relationships)

If you’re looking for the right words to mend things with a woman you love, these romantic apology quotes will help.

1. I hurt you, and that breaks my heart. You are my everything. I’m truly sorry.
2. No excuse can justify my actions. I only hope to win your heart back with love and sincerity.
3. You deserve a man who lifts you, not lets you down. I promise to be better.
4. I miss your smile more than words can say. Please forgive me.
5. I’m sorry for taking your love for granted. I now know it’s the most precious gift.
6. Every moment without you feels empty. I am so sorry, my love.
7. Your heart is too beautiful to carry the pain I caused. Let me make it right.
8. I was wrong, and I’m willing to do everything to win you back.
9. You are the melody in my chaos. Forgive me, and let’s make music again.
10. This apology comes with all the love I have for you. I’m so sorry.

These sorry quotes for her are crafted to touch the heart and show genuine regret. Whether you’re seeking sorry messages for her or apology quotes to win her back, sincerity matters most.

Apology Quotes for Him (Love & Relationships)

Use these love apology quotes for him to say what’s on your heart—and show him how much he means to you.

1. I’m sorry for the words I said in anger. They weren’t fair to you.
2. I let my emotions get the best of me. Please forgive me, my love.
3. You’re my safe place, and I never meant to make you feel otherwise.
4. My actions didn’t reflect my love for you. I’ll do better.
5. Sorry for the pain I caused. You didn’t deserve that from me.
6. I wish I could turn back time. I’d choose your smile over my pride every time.
7. You are my rock, and I hate that I made you feel weak. Forgive me.
8. I never want to be the reason you hurt. I am truly sorry.
9. Losing your trust feels worse than losing the world. I hope I can earn it back.
10. From now on, I choose love, understanding, and you, always. Forgive me, please.

These quotes are perfect for anyone seeking to mend a relationship through open and honest words. For example, when you are worried about how to apologize to your boyfriend, the above words can help you break the ice.

Apology Quotes for Friends

Friendships are some of the most meaningful relationships we’ll ever have. But even the best of friends face misunderstandings. These apology quotes for friends help you express your regret and take that first step toward reconciliation. 

1. True friends forgive. I hope you have the heart to forgive me.
2. Our friendship means more to me than my pride. I’m sorry for hurting you.
3. I miss laughing with you. Let’s leave this mistake behind us.
4. Friends fight, but real friends apologize. I’m truly sorry.
5. I never wanted to cause a crack in our bond. I want to fix it.
6. You’ve always been there for me—I hate that I let you down.
7. I’m sorry for letting you down when you needed me the most.
8. You’re one of the few people who truly know me. I hate that I caused this distance.
9. No matter how wrong I was, I hope we can still be right together.
10. Our friendship is too valuable to lose. Please accept my apology.

Short Apology Quotes (Perfect for Texts or Social Media)

Quick, heartfelt, and to the point—these short apology quotes are perfect for texts, DMs, or status updates.

1. I messed up. I’m sorry.
2. Please forgive me.
3. I regret everything.
4. My heart is heavy with remorse.
5. No excuses, just apologies.
6. I was wrong. Forgive me.
7. I never meant to hurt you.
8. Missing you. I’m sorry.
9. I own my mistake.
10. Can we start over?
11. I’ll make it right.
12. Lost without your smile.
13. Regret lives here.
14. I’m sorry. Truly.
15. Apologies speak louder than silence.

A Special Way to Apologize: Consider AnonSMS

Sometimes, saying sorry face-to-face can be too overwhelming—especially when you’re unsure how the other person might react. That’s where AnonSMS comes in. This unique service lets you send anonymous text messages, making it easier to offer a heartfelt apology without the pressure of immediate confrontation.

Try AnonSMS today and use code NEW30 to get 30% off your first message. Sometimes, healing begins with a single anonymous message—and the right apology quote.