n. Function: noun
1 a presentation intended to justify or defend something FF1C; the white paper is essentially an apology for recent foreign policy FF1E;
Synonyms: apologetic, apologia, defense, justification; compare EXCUSE 1
Related Words: 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 FF1C; murmured a brief apology for her lateness FF1E;
Synonyms: excuse, regrets; compare EXCUSE 1
Related Words: amends, atonement; acknowledgment, admission, concession, confession, mea culpa; reparation, redress, satisfaction
3
Synonyms: EXCUSE 3