apology

noun

apol·o·gy | \ ə-ˈpä-lə-jē

plural apologies

Definition of apology

1a : 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.

2a : 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 Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about apology

Keep scrolling for more

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

But this one will have to be a far bigger & better apology. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, "The Week in Washington: “We’re Fighting All the Subpoenas!”," 28 Apr. 2019 And so this French team is following a similar path, focusing without apology on pragmatism and bottom-line results. — Brian Straus, SI.com, "Le Bleuprint: France Follows Familiar World Cup Path in Reaching Final," 10 July 2018 The backlash from the clip comment prompted the 24-year-old model to release an apology to fans. — Morgan M. Evans, Fox News, "Victoria's Secret model Devon Windsor slammed for 'insensitive' diversity comment," 12 Sep. 2018 The former Texas Congressman’s first few days as a candidate have been one long apology... — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "Beto’s Apology Tour," 18 Mar. 2019 These units are called radians (apologies if this term provokes a violent and sickening flashback to high school math), and there are 2π of them in a circle. — Brian Resnick, Vox, "The math of pi explained, as simply as possible," 13 Mar. 2019 In 10 Things, Patrick owns up to his wrongdoing and buys Kat a guitar (which she’s wanted desperately) as an apology. — Anne T. Donahue, Marie Claire, "Is All Rom-Com Love Based on a Lie?," 12 Feb. 2019 In that session, everything came pouring out — streams of words and tears, rambling explanations, and — of course — apologies for the rambling. — Kayleigh Roberts, Allure, "Why Women With ADHD Like Me Get Diagnosed So Late in Adulthood," 25 Oct. 2018 Then, yes, dude was snubbed, even after going on an apology tour for tousling Donald Trump’s hair. — Glenn Whipp, latimes.com, "Emmy snubs and surprises: New faces are in, old institutions are out and Sandra Oh makes history," 12 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'apology.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.