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.

Spain's colonisation of Mexico has become a thorny issue in recent years, prompting calls for an apology and an apparent diplomatic snub.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Eight days later, Sotomayor issued an apology, saying her comment was inappropriate and hurtful.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

In the mid-1990s, politicians and commentators could still speak of America’s work ethic without apology.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

I should be gracious and accept her apology.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Vocabulary lists containing apology

Two-Faced Words: Contronyms

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