apology
Americannoun
plural
apologies-
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.
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a defense, excuse, or justification in speech or writing, as for a cause or doctrine.
- Synonyms:
- vindication
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(initial capital letter, italics) a dialogue by Plato, centering on Socrates' defense before the tribunal that condemned him to death.
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an inferior specimen or substitute; makeshift.
The tramp wore a sad apology for a hat.
noun
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an oral or written expression of regret or contrition for a fault or failing
-
a poor substitute or offering
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another word for apologia
Related Words
See excuse.
Other Word Forms
- reapology noun
- superapology noun
Etymology
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,” apologia
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She didn’t specify what mistake she made but said her apology was a key step in continuing to build trust with this team.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026
Air Canada Chief Executive Michael Rousseau issued an apology about his inability to speak French after facing sharp criticism from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026
However, the post fell short of a formal apology, which could mean the controversy won’t end swiftly.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026
Rousseau had earlier issued an apology over his English-only message, saying he was saddened that his limited French "has diverted attention from the profound grief of the families."
From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026
Burr was now demanding a general apology for all past indiscretions.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
