apology

noun

apol·​o·​gy ə-ˈpä-lə-jē How to pronounce apology (audio)
plural apologies
Synonyms of apologynext
1
a
: an admission of error or discourtesy accompanied by an expression of regret
a public apology
b
apologies plural : an expression of regret for not being able to do something
I won't be able to attend. Please give them my apologies.
2
a
: something that is said or written to defend something that other people criticize : defense
The book is an apology for capitalism.
b
: excuse sense 2a
3
informal : a poor substitute or example : makeshift
He's a poor apology for a father.

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for apology

apology, apologia, excuse, plea, pretext, alibi 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

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

excuse implies an intent to avoid or remove blame or censure.

used illness as an excuse for missing the meeting

plea stresses argument or appeal for understanding or sympathy or mercy.

her usual plea that she was nearsighted

pretext suggests subterfuge and the offering of false reasons or motives in excuse or explanation.

used any pretext to get out of work

alibi implies a desire to shift blame or evade punishment and imputes mere plausibility to the explanation.

his alibi failed to stand scrutiny

Examples of apology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The final report outlined 138 recommendations, including calling for public apologies from New Zealand’s government, as well as the pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury, heads of the Catholic and Anglican churches, respectively, who have condemned child abuse. —Reuters, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024 On whether Samuel owes him an apology: There doesn’t need to be. —Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024 More:Federal report urges formal apology for Native American boarding schools where 900+ died When did Native American Heritage Month start? —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 5 Nov. 2024 Turner’s apology letter said the administration would make a choice by the end of this week (Oct. 28-Nov. 1) for seventh and eighth graders at Bessie Rhodes, and the Board of Education will not reconvene for another meeting until Nov. 4 for a Committee of the Whole meeting. —Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for apology 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English apologe "formal defense," borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French apologie "public defense in speech or writing," borrowed from Late Latin apologia, borrowed from Greek apología "speech in defense" (Late Greek, "speech in defense of the Christian faith by a martyr, excuse, vindication before God"), derivative (with -ia -ia entry 1) of apologeîsthai "to speak in defense, defend oneself" — more at apologetic entry 1

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of apology was in 1533

Phrases Containing apology

Dictionary Entries Near apology

apologue

apology

apolousis

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Apology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apology. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

apology

noun
apol·​o·​gy ə-ˈpäl-ə-jē How to pronounce apology (audio)
plural apologies
1
: an expression of regret (as for a mistake or for rudeness)
2
informal : a poor example
he's a poor apology for a boss

More from Merriam-Webster on apology

Nglish: Translation of apology for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of apology for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about apology

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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