Thesaurus results for APOLOGY

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

apology

noun

ə-ˈpä-lə-jē

Definition of apology next

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

Relevance

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 During the June 3 sentencing, Dewayne offered an apology to Mischa’s family, his own family and colleagues on his base, Hawaii News Now reported. —

Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 6 June 2025 Pokémon shows the most dramatic improvement, and this free update should probably be considered a Switch 2 Edition upgrade that is being given out for free as an apology for how poorly these games run on the original Switch. —

ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025 California has also issued an apology for slavery, an important first step in reparative justice. —

Kizzy Cox, Essence, 3 June 2025 In complete contrast to Achraf Hakimi’s apology for scoring the first, which was just insane. —

The Totally Football Show, New York Times, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for apology

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apology

Noun

While the parade honors the Army, some Democrats have accused Trump of using the anniversary as an excuse to mark his birthday, comparing the event to the military parades of autocratic regimes such as Russia and North Korea.

— Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Summary Stop making excuses and embrace courage for business growth.

— Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

Definition of excuse

Browse Nearby Words

apologues

apology

a pop

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Apology.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apology. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 17 Jun 2025 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of apology

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

The Non-Apology 'Apology'

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on apology

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

emancipation

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

8 Words for the Wordy and Talking Too Much

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

10 Hella Good U.S. Regionalisms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

8 Words for the Wordy and Talking Too Much

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

Games & Quizzes

Synonyms of apology

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to apology

The Non-Apology 'Apology'

Cite this Entry

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on apology

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

emancipation

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

8 Words for the Wordy and Talking Too Much

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

10 Hella Good U.S. Regionalisms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

8 Words for the Wordy and Talking Too Much

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

Games & Quizzes