Definitions

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.

The so-called New Orleans Five demanded an apology from the association, Kahn told me.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

Elmo eventually responded in character, attempting to smooth things over with a pun-filled apology.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026

In response to the backlash, Koc issued a brief apology published by Koc Holding on X, saying his remarks "were not intended to target any particular group".

From Barron's • Jun. 6, 2026

He reiterated an apology on behalf of the force for the way in which Henry had been handcuffed and arrested.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

But the apology was like a bandage on a wound that needed stitches.

From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn

Vocabulary lists containing apology

Two-Faced Words: Contronyms

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