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 Celebrities post their breakfasts, their skincare, their holidays and their Notes-app apologies. — Raven Smith, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026 At goodnights, Gillis gave an apology for his effing and jeffing. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2026 An aging parent develops dementia; illness makes recognition intermittent or apology impossible. — Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026 Wynne has not received an apology from the Royal Mail after complaining. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apology

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apology

Noun

This is a unit that features two-star receivers, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, so there's no excuse for that.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
As someone who thinks NYE is a bit overrated, a wedding feels like the perfect excuse to dress up to the nines and celebrate.

— Fred Sahai, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of excuse

Noun

Such well-being is appealed to only as a smokescreen for the argument's true purpose, the justification of the administration's policies toward immigrants.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
In doing so, defending their life felt like something akin to murder, despite her justification.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of justification

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apology

a pop

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“Apology.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apology. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of apology

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Synonyms of apology

noun

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The Non-Apology 'Apology'

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