apology

noun

ə-ˈpä-lə-jē How to pronounce apology (audio)
Definition of apologynext
as in excuse
an explanation that frees one from fault or blame her standard apology for her chronic tardiness is the ever-present congestion on the highways

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun apology contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of apology are alibi, apologia, excuse, plea, and pretext. While all these words mean "matter offered in explanation or defense," apology usually applies to an expression of regret for a mistake or wrong with implied admission of guilt or fault and with or without reference to mitigating or extenuating circumstances.

said by way of apology that he would have met them if he could

When could alibi be used to replace apology?

The meanings of alibi and apology largely overlap; however, alibi implies a desire to shift blame or evade punishment and imputes mere plausibility to the explanation.

his alibi failed to stand scrutiny

When would apologia be a good substitute for apology?

Although the words apologia and apology have much in common, apologia implies not admission of guilt or regret but a desire to make clear the grounds for some course, belief, or position.

his speech was an apologia for his foreign policy

When is excuse a more appropriate choice than apology?

The synonyms excuse and apology are sometimes interchangeable, but excuse implies an intent to avoid or remove blame or censure.

used illness as an excuse for missing the meeting

When might plea be a better fit than apology?

In some situations, the words plea and apology are roughly equivalent. However, plea stresses argument or appeal for understanding or sympathy or mercy.

her usual plea that she was nearsighted

Where would pretext be a reasonable alternative to apology?

While in some cases nearly identical to apology, pretext suggests subterfuge and the offering of false reasons or motives in excuse or explanation.

used any pretext to get out of work

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of apology The Assembly of First Nations in Canada also expressed sadness, acknowledging the pope's apology for past abuses at Catholic-run schools. —Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025 With apologies to Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson, Durbin is Mr. October AND November in the Grand Canyon State. —Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025 Sorry to overwhelm you, but there are lots of different types of apologies. —Angela Haupt, Time, 18 Apr. 2025 Last year, Combs released an apology video addressing the incident. —Danielle Bacher, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apology
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apology
  1. excuse
  2. justification
  3. reason
Noun
  • And certainly, the Tampa Bay Rays aren’t making any excuses.
    — Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • And with screeners, virtual Q&As and digital forms readily available, there’s really no excuse to leave everything until the last minute.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • Furthermore, China restricts the import of many U.S.-grown foods through its slow and complex approval process for biotech crops, often citing health and safety concerns as justification.
    — Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Majorities also expressed concern that the president will do too much to reduce the size and role of government (58%), argued he's acted beyond his authority as president without justification (56%) and doubted the Trump administration's commitment to protecting citizens' rights and freedoms (55%).
    — Gary Langer, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of justification
Noun
  • The reason for the independence, the Brookings Institution explains, is that politicians tend to want lower interest rates because lower rates stimulate the economy.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The reason for the increase in the Tigers’ team score came after a review of Mizzou’s third rotation — balance beam.
    — Henry Chappell, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of reason

Browse Nearby Words

apologues
apology
a pop
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Cite this Entry

“Apology.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apology. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on apology

Nglish: Translation of apology for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about apology

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