apology

[uh-pol-uh-jee] / əˈpɒl ə dʒi /

NOUN

offering of remorse, regret

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acknowledgment admission amends atonement concession confession excuse explanation justification plea redress reparation

STRONG

defense extenuation mitigation vindication

WEAK

mea culpa

Antonyms

STRONGEST

denial refusal repudiation

WEAK

accusation censure charge complaint condemnation criticism defiance indictment

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.

MacAlister said the case for a formal apology was "being actively considered" by the government, adding the need for a "comprehensive" apology was "urgent".

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

The next morning, the Huskies posted Auriemma’s first apology on X.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

The Church of England is planning to issue an apology for its role in historical forced adoption, the BBC has learned.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Connecticut women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma issued a second apology Tuesday night for his behavior after the Huskies’ loss to South Carolina in the Final Four last week.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Shaking the captain’s hand and offering an apology for what might have seemed like a lecture, he disappeared into the evening shadows.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Vocabulary lists containing apology

Two-Faced Words: Contronyms

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