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