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 Herne noted the district has yet to issue a formal apology. —Brian Mann, NPR, 14 May 2026 Igoe said the Sheriff’s Office sends its sincere apologies to the community. —Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026 No excuses, no justifications, a sincere apology. —ABC News, 13 May 2026 The only thing worse than the comments, in Brando's eyes, was the apology. —Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for apology
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apology
  1. excuse
  2. justification
  3. reason
Noun
  • His excuses ranged from being too cold, to not having his phone or watch on him, to being a chill person who doesn’t like to show up early to the tee.
    — Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • So there’s no excuse not to finalize this deal promptly regardless of whether that induces a hissy fit from United Here and the Chicago Federation of Labor.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • Trump has long claimed that the federal government under President Biden went after him and his political allies without justification and in violation of the law.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
  • That’s the sound of a man who looked at last season and saw justification in the Warriors’ record, not injustice.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 18 May 2026
Definition of justification
Noun
  • For this reason, the tent was constructed in such a way that the crowd could see and hear the girls, but the girls could not see the crowd, a one-way mirror.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • Food and drink The food and beverages are reason alone to come here.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 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 23 May. 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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