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 One silver lining: Paramount and CBS are not issuing any kind of apology under the settlement. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 16 July 2025 On Wednesday, Morales sent a cease-and-desist letter to Paladino demanding an apology. —Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 16 July 2025 With apologies to Wimbledon, the FIFA World Cup just became the most fashionable sporting event going, thanks to Doja Cat. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 14 July 2025 The state inquiry led to a formal government apology in 2021, the announcement of a redress scheme and an apology from the Sisters of Bon Secours. —Kara Fox, CNN Money, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for apology
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apology
  1. excuse
  2. justification
  3. reason
Noun
  • The Turkish leader has also used the 2016 coup attempt against him as an excuse to pull apart the rule of law and any vestiges of institutional governance in Turkey.
    — Jesse Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • But that's absolutely no excuse, because intent doesn't excuse ignorance.
    — Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 13 July 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • While not all partners who cheat have dark personality traits, those who do often share certain justifications for their behavior.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • There is no other justification for trading a sturdy, dependable backup center for one who played 16 underwhelming games last season.
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 17 July 2025
Definition of justification
Noun
  • The administration maintains that the naysayers are wrong, and alas, there is indeed reason to suspect the official narrative of financial experts.
    — Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
  • Part of the reason for their refusal, the OP claims, is that this wasn't the first time they had been asked for the same favor — and had a different outcome.
    — Colson Thayer, People.com, 25 July 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 29 Jul. 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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