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 Now, Luenell is issuing an apology to the comedian. —Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025 The Wednesday, March 26, public apology was supposed to occur during a prayer service at St. Francis Xavier College Church, but it was postponed, according to PBS News. —Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2025 However, by 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Marx's post remained live and no apology had been issued. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025 Whoops, that was my worst-case scenario for the Niners, apologies! —Grant Brisbee, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apology
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apology
  1. excuse
  2. justification
  3. reason
Noun
  • Back in San Jose, Santana Row continues to beckon with new dining options and more excuses to pay for parking there.
    — Laura Ness, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to snuggle with a blanket in the middle of a party? 27.
    — Maggie Griswold, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • Is there any justification for Morgan Wallen having 37 tracks on his new album?
    — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 3 Apr. 2025
  • In today’s newsletter, our immigration reporter Jonathan Blitzer investigates these deportations—and the questionable justification behind them.
    — Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of justification
Noun
  • This relationship focus is another reason why some financial institutions may not be tempted by the pools of CRE loans on the market.
    — Sam Sidhu, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • There’s a reason why countless stars are spotted in matching sets.
    — Nicol Natale, People.com, 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 13 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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