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 The release about the cancelation also featured a three-paragraph comment from Galliano, who reiterated his apology for his prior comments. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Vance said Monday that the apology wasn’t enough, and condemned el Sayed for campaigning with Hasan Piker. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 31 Aug. 2026 Mel Gibson has issued an apology amid backlash over his recent appearance at FanExpo Canada, where the Oscar winner mocked an ASL interpreter while walking on stage to attend his retrospective Q&A. — Zack Sharf, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026 In the aftermath, Gibson issued an apology that was shared with Entertainment Weekly. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apology

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apology

Noun

While the sun sets earlier and earlier, there’s no better excuse to unplug, curl up and turn the page.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
That obviously makes Labor Day a particularly good excuse to mix a cocktail that squeezes a little more out of summer.

— Emily Price, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of excuse

Noun

The habeas statute directs judges to give the government three days to initially respond with justification for the detention but allows for that deadline to be extended up to 20 days.

— Carla Astudillo, ProPublica, 3 Sep. 2026
If the answer requires long justification, your growth opportunity is not communication but rather the board appointment governance.

— Albana Vrioni, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of justification

Noun

After wrapping up its longest monthly losing streak on Wall Street in more than a decade, Google has started September by giving investors several reasons for optimism.

— MacKenzie Sigalos,Drew Troast, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Another company might have seen the same 20% decline for entirely different reasons.

— James Fratzke, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of reason

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“Apology.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apology. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of apology

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Synonyms of apology

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