apology

noun

apol·​o·​gy ə-ˈpä-lə-jē How to pronounce apology (audio)
plural apologies
1
a
: an admission of error or discourtesy accompanied by an expression of regret
a public apology
b
apologies plural : an expression of regret for not being able to do something
I won't be able to attend. Please give them my apologies.
2
a
: something that is said or written to defend something that other people criticize : defense
The book is an apology for capitalism.
3
informal : a poor substitute or example : makeshift
He's a poor apology for a father.
Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of apology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
De León issued apologies but ignored widespread calls to step down. David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024 Today, New Haven city officials are being asked to make a public apology for rejecting the proposal to build the school. Dawn Sawyer, CNN, 4 Nov. 2024 In addition, Biden recently issued a formal apology on behalf of the United States for the infamous Indian boarding schools that operated from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2024 The character’s performative apology is shallow and empty, as all performative apologies are. Erik Kain, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for apology 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English apologe "formal defense," borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French apologie "public defense in speech or writing," borrowed from Late Latin apologia, borrowed from Greek apología "speech in defense" (Late Greek, "speech in defense of the Christian faith by a martyr, excuse, vindication before God"), derivative (with -ia -ia entry 1) of apologeîsthai "to speak in defense, defend oneself" — more at apologetic entry 1

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of apology was in 1533

Dictionary Entries Near apology

Cite this Entry

“Apology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apology. Accessed 9 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

apology

noun
apol·​o·​gy ə-ˈpäl-ə-jē How to pronounce apology (audio)
plural apologies
1
: an expression of regret (as for a mistake or for rudeness)
2
informal : a poor example
he's a poor apology for a boss

More from Merriam-Webster on apology

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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