noun
1.
a presentation intended to justify or defend something
the white paper is essentially an apology for recent foreign policy
Synonyms: apologetic, apologia, defense, justification; compare excuse 1
Related Word: excuse, extenuation, mitigation, palliation; advocating, advocation, championing, espousal, espousing, support
Idioms: pleading one's cause, putting in a good word for, speaking up for
Contrasted words: blame, censure, condemnation, decrial, reprehension, reprobation
2.
an acknowledgment expressing regret for a wrong, improper, or discommoding act
murmured a brief apology for her lateness
Synonyms: excuse, regrets; compare excuse 1
Related Word: amends, atonement; acknowledgment, admission, concession, confession, mea culpa; reparation, redress, satisfaction
3.
Synonyms: excuse 3