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 touching apology came as a handwritten note, Jenna shared. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025 But the moment of flexing soon turned into a public apology and her taking accountability for the effect of the song. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 10 Apr. 2025 The As Ever team sent an email to customers with an apology from Markle and a promise of not only a refund, but a free gift from the next product launch. —Elizabeth Stanton, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2025 Following the social media backlash, lead star Mohanlal shared an apology on his social media page. —Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apology
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apology
  1. excuse
  2. justification
  3. reason
Noun
  • Ignorance Ignorance is never an excuse for poor governance.
    — Committee of 200, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • These past comments from Trump have often appeared to be in jest, or just an excuse to excite his loyal fan base during public speaking.
    — Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • What are the present political implications of trying to empathize with Germans under the Nazi regime, to better understand their own justifications for their crimes?
    — Joseph Bernstein, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • This administration might use a domestic crisis as even more justification to bypass legislative and judicial oversight.
    — Jane Harman, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of justification
Noun
  • The military has a nonpartisan tradition for a reason.
    — Risa Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025
  • For that reason, testing in the privacy of one’s home can be an appealing option — and may help expand screening, Dr. Burstein said.
    — Catherine Pearson, New York Times, 8 Apr. 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 22 Apr. 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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