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

Both a heartfelt apology and a romantic dinner tied in second place at 31%. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 21 Dec. 2024

That's because something remarkable happened: Two former employees of Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett — Lauren Roberts from his campaign, and Caroline Ellert from his administration — were in the room as Hogsett presented his administration's 2025 budget proposal and delivered an in-person apology. —Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Dec. 2024

Patsy Ramsey never lived to see the Boulder district attorney's apology or have her name cleared. —Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2024

While some defendants have expressed regret, the Paty family has rejected their apologies, emphasizing the lack of accountability. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

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