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
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.
Banks is seeking $1 million in damages as well as a public apology. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 9 Dec. 2024 The 1975 musician later issued a public apology on Reddit and took his tweets down. Rachel McRady, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024 Rapper Azealia Banks is demanding $1 million and a public apology from 1975 frontman Matty Healy amid their recent social media squabble. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024 Kamel’s film represents both an apology and an homage to the man who provided a steady and steadying influence in her life. Alissa Simon, Variety, 7 Dec. 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 21 Dec. 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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