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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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 Both Rupert and Stewart, who was dating Robert Pattinson at the time, issued separate apologies. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025 The ad’s award has since been revoked and the agency that created it has issued a public apology, but Salvador isn’t done. Kyle Ingram, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025 That was what the apology was about? Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025 Following intense backlash from conservatives, the graphic was removed, and the museum issued an apology. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apology
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apology
Noun
  • Investors don’t need another earnings call filled with excuses about macro headwinds when the rest of the industry is growing.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • To open flat is without excuse, given the setting.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The vessel was operating in international waters but that added to the murkiness of the legal justification.
    Emily Goodin, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • This document, so often a justification for violence, also contains words of reconciliation, of fortitude and healing.
    Jack Sheehan September 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Whatever the reason behind the tradition may be, Swift and Mahomes were all smiles in the Dirty 30 photo as the WAGS prepare to head into football season together and cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • For those reasons and more, Rohl’s signing on a season-long loan, with a €20million obligation provided Everton avoid relegation, is intriguing.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apology.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apology. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on apology

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