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

Relevance

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 But the Pokémon performance problems were so pervasive and widely commented-upon that Nintendo released a rare apology promising to improve the game post-release. ArsTechnica, 16 May 2025 Plenty of pop stars have made apologies for concert snafus or private peccadilloes that inadvertently became public. Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 15 May 2025 Trump had not publicly commented regarding Comey’s post or apology through his Truth Social or X accounts as of 8:20 p.m. EDT. Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, one of WBD’s more financially successful films of 2024 (apologies to Joker: Folie à Deux), premiered on September 6 and was available on PVOD by October 8. Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for apology
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apology
Noun
  • Construct decision boundaries that eliminate excuses.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • Hansi Flick has told his Barcelona players that partying after their La Liga title celebrations is no excuse for letting their performances drop.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • And still others, eyes already on 2028, are quietly offering up preemptive justifications before the blame begins to settle.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
  • The original justification for dropping HBO from HBO Max was to signal a something-for-everyone content cornucopia.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • During these inspections, travelers may be questioned or their electronic devices looked through as a way to confirm their identity and reasons for being in the U.S.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • At that, Tesla is reportedly sitting on $200 million worth of unsold Cybertruck models that can’t seem to find buyers for reasons that include being involved in multiple recalls, with the latest involving body panels randomly falling off the vehicle.
    Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Apology.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apology. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on apology

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!