Synonyms for apology
əˈpɒl ə dʒiapol·o·gy

WiktionaryRate these synonyms:2.7 / 3 votes

1. apologynoun

   A formal justification, defence.

   The Apology of Socrates.

   Synonyms:
   apologia

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:3.7 / 3 votes

1. apology

   All these words express one's answer to a charge of wrong or error that is or might be made. Apology has undergone a remarkable change from its old sense of a valiant defense — as in Justin Martyr's Apologies for the Christian faith — to its present meaning of humble confession and concession. He who offers an apology admits himself, at least technically and seemingly, in the wrong. An apology is for what one has done or left undone; an excuse may be for what one proposes to do or leave undone as well; as, one sends beforehand his excuse for not accepting an invitation; if he should fail either to be present or to excuse himself, an apology would be in order. An excuse for a fault is an attempt at partial justification; as, one alleges haste as an excuse for carelessness. Confession is a full acknowledgment of wrong, generally of a grave wrong, with or without apology or excuse. Plea ranges in sense from a prayer for favor or pardon to an attempt at full vindication. Defense, exculpation, justification, and vindication are more properly antonyms than synonyms of apology in its modern sense, and should be so given, but for their connection with its historic usage. Compare CONFESS; DEFENSE.

   Synonyms:
   acknowledgment, confession, defense, exculpation, excuse, justification, plea, vindication

   Antonyms:
   accusation, censure, charge, complaint, condemnation, imputation, injury, insult, offense, wrong

   Preposition:
   An apology to the guest for the oversight would be fitting.

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:3.8 / 4 votes

1. apology

   Synonyms:
   defense, justification, plea, exculpation, excuse, vindication, acknowledgment, confession

   Antonyms:
   charge, imputation, impeachment, offense, incrimination, injury, accusation, wrong, insult

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:1.0 / 2 votes

1. apologynoun

   an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone

   "he wrote a letter of apology to the hostess"

   Synonyms:
   excuse, apologia

2. apology, apologianoun

   a formal written defense of something you believe in strongly

   Synonyms:
   excuse, apologia

3. apology, excusenoun

   a poor example

   "it was an apology for a meal"; "a poor excuse for an automobile"

   Synonyms:
   excuse, exculpation, apologia, alibi, self-justification

Matched Categories

1. • Acknowledgment
   • Example

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. apologynoun

   Synonyms:
   defence, vindication, justification

2. apologynoun

   Synonyms:
   excuse, plea, explanation, extenuation, reparation, AMENDE HONORABLE

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. apologynoun

   Synonyms:
   justification, extenuation, defense, vindication, amende honorable, makeshift, substitute, excuse

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "apology":

   apologies, excuse, apologize, apologia, apologizing, apologise, sorry

How to pronounce apology?

How to say apology in sign language?

Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use apology in a sentence?

1. Jim Knoepp:

   These workers have waited seven long years for justice, this agreement and apology from the company will allow the workers to finally move on with their lives.

2. Hu Xijin:

   Wuhan indeed owes Li Wenliang an apology.

3. Amanda Wolfenbarger:

   She said ‘I’m sorry this happened to you. I can’t help it,’ i can accept an apology, but I’m not going to put myself in position where it could happen again. I’m not going back.

4. Jim Albracht:

   During the broadcast, I used a comparison when trying to describe a talented Maryland basketball player. In no way did I intend to offend or disparage the player, i take full responsibility for my inappropriate word choice and offer a sincere apology to him and anyone else who was offended. I will use this as an opportunity to grow as a person and learn more about unconscious bias.

5. Pope Francis:

   Today’s apology is a step forward in acknowledging the truth of our past in order to right historical wrongs, but there is still work to be done.