apology

noun

apol·​o·​gy ə-ˈpä-lə-jē 

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.

b

: excuse sense 2a

3

informal : a poor substitute or example : makeshift

He's a poor apology for a father.

Synonyms

• alibi
• defense
• excuse
• justification
• plea
• reason

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

Jimmy Butler should issue a public apology to fans and teammates for quitting on them. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025

Demonstrate accountability—Offer sincere apologies when necessary and avoid dismissive language that may undermine trust. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

On Thursday, though, the message was simply a mea culpa, an unspoken admission that a team that missed the playoffs for a seventh straight season owes some apologies. —Josh Kendall, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025

The head of de Blasio’s detail, now former NYPD Inspector Howard Redmond, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to obstructing DOI’s investigation and was fired, ordered to perform community service and had to make a public apology. —Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2025

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

Phrases Containing apology

• non-apology
• offer no apology for
• without apology

Kids Definition

apology

noun

apol·​o·​gy ə-ˈpäl-ə-jē 

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