Thesaurus

apology

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of apology

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 of apology

alibi, defense, excuse, justification, plea, reason

Words Related to apology

color, guise, pretense (or pretence), pretext, rationale, rationalization, vindication, whitewash

acknowledgment (or acknowledgement), atonement, confession

extenuation, palliation

Synonym Discussion of 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

Learn More about apology

See words that rhyme with apology Dictionary: Definition of apology Spanish Central: Translation of apology Nglish: Translation of apology for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of apology for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about apology

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