apology

[ uh-pol-uh-jee ]

See synonyms for: apology apologies on Thesaurus.com

noun,plural a·pol·o·gies.

a written or spoken expression of one's regret, remorse, or sorrow for having insulted, failed, injured, or wronged another: He demanded an apology from me for calling him a crook.
a defense, excuse, or justification in speech or writing, as for a cause or doctrine.

(initial capital letter, italics) a dialogue by Plato, centering on Socrates' defense before the tribunal that condemned him to death.
an inferior specimen or substitute; makeshift: The tramp wore a sad apology for a hat.

Origin of apology

First recorded in 1500–50; earlier apologie, late Middle English (from Middle French ), from Late Latin apologia, from Greek apología, “speech in self-defense; defense,” see apologia

synonym study For apology

2. See excuse.

Other words for apology

2	vindication

See synonyms for apology on Thesaurus.com

Other words from apology

re·a·pol·o·gy, noun, plural re·a·pol·o·gies.
su·per·a·pol·o·gy, noun, plural su·per·a·pol·o·gies.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use apology in a sentence

Cocker, by contrast, was always a rock singer, without frills or apologies.
The Greatest Rock Voice of All Time Belonged to Joe Cocker | Ted Gioia | December 23, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Koenig apologies for what she seems to treat as a sign of weakness.
Adnan Killed Her! No, Jay Did It! Serial’s Uncertain, True-to-Reality End | Emily Shire | December 18, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
“My deepest apologies for not writing sooner,” he began his letter to her by saying.
A West Point MVP Who Never Played a Down | Nicolaus Mills | December 13, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Apologies, tea partiers, but John Roberts really did stick us with government health care!
What Republicans Need Right Now Is a Good Internal Fight | James Poulos | November 6, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Most confessed; all were later cleared, and offered large settlements and public apologies by the government.
The Myth of the Central Park Five | Edward Conlon | October 19, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

Maxgregor grimly intimated that the basin was at the disposal of the intruder, who did not cease to pour out floods of apologies.
The Weight of the Crown | Fred M. White
As for the photograph recently forwarded to you, kindly accept our apologies for a very clumsy mistake made here in the office.
Molly Make-Believe | Eleanor Hallowell Abbott
"You needn't offer so many apologies for your infatuation, my dear," I answered dryly.
Penelope's Experiences in Scotland | Kate Douglas Wiggin
I made my apologies humbly, but mademoiselle was coldly scornful.
The Rose of Old St. Louis | Mary Dillon
Gustave was full of apologies for his carelessness, as he called it; I was dignified.
The Rose of Old St. Louis | Mary Dillon

British Dictionary definitions for apology

apology

/ (əˈpɒlədʒɪ) /

nounplural -gies

an oral or written expression of regret or contrition for a fault or failing
a poor substitute or offering

another word for apologia

Origin of apology

C16: from Old French apologie, from Late Latin apologia, from Greek: a verbal defence, from apo- + logos speech

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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