An apparatus is provided for reducing a peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) in a wireless communication system having multiple transmit antennas. A symbol generator generates symbols to be transmitted via the multiple transmit antennas, and a PAPR calculator calculates a PAPR value for each symbol. A detector detects a maximum PAPR value among the PAPR values of the symbols. A controller outputs a control signal to reduce a PAPR value of a corresponding symbol when the detected maximum PAPR value exceeds a reference PAPR value. A PAPR reducer reduces the PAPR value of the corresponding symbol upon receipt of the control signal.