apology
Words admitting fault
An apology is an expression of regret for having done something wrong: I owe you an apology for what I said.
The word can also mean a defense or justification of a position, though this sense is now rare outside formal contexts.
A weak or inadequate example of something is an apology for: The meal was an apology for fine dining.
Expressing regret or apology
- forgive meRequest for absolution
- pardon mePolite interruption phrase
- my badInformal fault admission
- excuse meApology for minor intrusion
Remorseful state over misdeeds
- regretSorrow over past actions
- penitenceRemorse for misdeeds
- compunctionUneasiness from guilt
- shamePainful awareness of failure
self-reproach · repentance · sorrow · guilt · ruefulness · chagrin · remorsefulness · heartache
Releasing resentment toward offenders
- peaceFreedom from disturbance
- healingRestoration of health
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
- conciliationResolving disputes through dialogue
understanding · harmony · olive branch · peace offering · pardon · absolution · settlement · accord
State of being answerable
- culpabilityDeserving blame for wrongdoing
- liabilityLegal or financial obligation
- faultImperfection or blame
- guiltMoral self-reproach
obligation · admission · confession · ownership · answerability · blameworthy · mea culpa · acknowledgment
Compensation for wrongdoing
- atonementCompensation for wrongdoing
- redressCompensation for injury
- restitutionRestoring what was lost
- penanceSelf-mortification for wrongdoing
reparation · indemnity · compensation · expiation · making good · remedy
Deeply and sincerely meant
- genuineTruly what it claims
- earnestSincerely intense in purpose
- contriteFeeling guilt over misdeeds
- honestFree from deception
authentic · unreserved · profound · meaningful · humble · wholehearted · unfeigned · truthful
Reason proving rightness
- explanationStatement making something clear
- vindicationClearance of blame
- excuseOffered reason for wrongdoing
- pleaFormal request or defense
rationale · defense · exculpation · mitigation · extenuation · clarification · reasoning
sorry
Expressing regret or apology
- forgive meRequest for absolution
- pardon mePolite interruption phrase
- my badInformal fault admission
excuse me · mea culpa · regrets · beg pardon
contrition
Remorseful state over misdeeds
- regretSorrow over past actions
- penitenceRemorse for misdeeds
- compunctionUneasiness from guilt
shame · self-reproach · repentance · sorrow · guilt · ruefulness · chagrin · remorsefulness · heartache · dismay
forgiveness
Releasing resentment toward offenders
- peaceFreedom from disturbance
- healingRestoration of health
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
conciliation · understanding · harmony · olive branch · peace offering · pardon · absolution · settlement · accord · truce
responsibility
State of being answerable
- culpabilityDeserving blame for wrongdoing
- liabilityLegal or financial obligation
- faultImperfection or blame
guilt · obligation · admission · confession · ownership · answerability · blameworthy · mea culpa · acknowledgment · reckoning
amends
Compensation for wrongdoing
- atonementCompensation for wrongdoing
- redressCompensation for injury
- restitutionRestoring what was lost
penance · reparation · indemnity · compensation · expiation · making good · remedy
heartfelt
Deeply and sincerely meant
honest · authentic · unreserved · profound · meaningful · humble · wholehearted · unfeigned · truthful · frank
justification
Reason proving rightness
- explanationStatement making something clear
- vindicationClearance of blame
- excuseOffered reason for wrongdoing
plea · rationale · defense · exculpation · mitigation · extenuation · clarification · reasoning
- conversationlistening, talk, talking, chat, speaking
- social interactiongreeting, hello, goodbye, hi, bye
- social interactionshello, goodbye, talk, nod, chat
- customer servicecustomer service, service, patience, callback, chat support
- social skillssocial skills, conversation, sharing, helping, listening
- card occasionsbirthday, anniversary, wedding, graduation day, Christmas
apologydefiance
Open resistance to authority
denial · justification · excuse · non-apology · blame-shifting
apologyaccusation
Claim someone did wrong
condemnation · indictment · criticism · censure · denunciation
- my apologiesExpression of regret
- I apologizeExpression of remorse
- public apologyOpenly stated remorse
- heartfelt apologySincere expression of remorse
- formal apologyOfficial acknowledgment of fault
- my apologyExpression of personal regret
apologize, apologetic, apologies, apologizing, apologized, apologizes, apologist, unapologetic, apologia