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.

He issued an apology for the scandals in January, taking out a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal that attributed his behavior to his bipolar disorder.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Carpenter’s apology was generally well-received online, with some fans thanking her for taking accountability.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

For fans, the special is not an apology, it's a reassertion - of his voice and his refusal to be flattened.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

The BBC has seen a draft of an apology prepared by the Church, in which it says "we are deeply sorry".

From BBC • 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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