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 San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone will have to write an apology letter to each survivor as part of the settlement. — ABC News, 29 June 2026 The second note was reported by NBC News ‌last week to ⁠have referred to Guthrie at that point as having died, without making an apology or demanding any payment for the return of her body. — Jana Winter, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Ogwumike later posted an apology video, which OutKick was told ESPN encouraged her to record due to the reckless nature of her remarks. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026 The apology didn’t fully explain why NPR published the report without additional confirmation, however. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for apology
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apology
  1. excuse
  2. justification
  3. reason
Noun
  • The excuses that keep piling up The backyard isn’t my first condition.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2026
  • While a full overhaul of the entire system might not be practical, there is certainly no excuse for lawmakers to make things worse.
    — Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • Creative output alone is no longer sufficient justification for investment.
    — Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • What was the breakdown for and against and what justifications did the majority give for its decision?
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of justification
Noun
  • But this also is among the reasons her books are considered must-reads in the classroom, and contemporary classics.
    — Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers made headlines in 2025 for a number of reasons.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
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 7 Jul. 2026.

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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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