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 swift and human response from CEO Stuart Machin, issuing a direct apology to customers, was a notable reflection of this new approach. —Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 The settlement, which includes an apology from the county and recognition of harm, does more than mete out punishment. —Ali Martin, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Apr. 2025 With apologies to Brian Schottenheimer, how about Dallas? —The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025 While some parents might rush to force their kids to make a hasty and superficial apology–or even non-apology–taking an engaged approach instead of a reactive one allowed this father and son to make a sincere attempt at amends that took into account the other person’s feelings. —Christian Dashiell, Parents, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apology
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apology
  1. excuse
  2. justification
  3. reason
Noun
  • Get Together Just Because Birthday parties, holidays, and graduation parties might claim much of your summer calendar, but these days, the trend is to find new excuses to get together.
    — Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2025
  • If the Jets beat the Blues, those excuses transform: every piece of adversity turns into another reason Winnipeg’s success was all the more impressive.
    — Murat Ates, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • Andrade rejected the Department of Homeland Security’s justification for ending TPS.
    — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025
  • Before his election as mayor, House said trustees were concerned that if Freeman was to have been let go without justification, Dolton would be open to a possible whistleblower lawsuit.
    — Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
Definition of justification
Noun
  • During these inspections, travelers may be questioned or their electronic devices looked through as a way to confirm their identity and reasons for being in the U.S.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • And that’s one of the reasons why with him and Edwards at the helm, the Timberwolves are only a win away from a repeat trip to the Western Conference finals.
    — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 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 21 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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