Thesaurus results for APOLOGY

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

apology

noun

ə-ˈpä-lə-jē

Definition of apology

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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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 So, apologies to Kirby [Smart] and the Dawgs for them taking the regular season L here. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 Howard called additionally for a public apology from UMD's tennis club, sensitivity training for players and a donation of tournament funds to a local museum focused on African American history. — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 In 2024, the company promoted its thin new iPad Pro by crushing musical instruments, cameras, and other creative tools beneath a hydraulic press, prompting a backlash and an apology. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026 University personnel were on-site to support the visiting teams and sent an apology email to the recreation directors at the affected schools, as well as the presidents of the participating teams. — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apology

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apology

Noun

No, there's no excuse for the season going off the rails this much.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Rubio warns against delaying transition Speaking on the record during the question-and-answer portion of the call, Rubio insisted that Washington would not allow the institutional reforms to become an excuse for postponing elections indefinitely.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of excuse

Noun

Harbaugh won't use injuries as an excuse, just as coach Sean McVay won't point to missing Garrett for five games and Donald for two as justification for the Rams' woes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
Stewart was an executive producer of his friend Colbert’s show and harshly criticized the cancellation, rejecting Paramount’s financial justification and accusing the company of bending the knee to the president.

— Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of justification

Noun

For next year’s admissions, institutions would have to publish more detailed selection criteria and explain rejections when applicants request reasons.

— Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
For that reason, Republicans believe the seat is a likely pickup this fall in what is otherwise a difficult midterm environment.

— David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of reason

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“Apology.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apology. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of apology

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Synonyms of apology

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