a written or spoken expression of one's regret, remorse, or sorrow for having insulted, failed, injured, or wronged another

He demanded an apology from me for calling him a crook.

a defense, excuse, or justification in speech or writing, as for a cause or doctrine.

( initial capital letter, italics ) a dialogue by Plato, centering on Socrates' defense before the tribunal that condemned him to death.

an inferior specimen or substitute; makeshift

The tramp wore a sad apology for a hat.

noun

accusation , censure , charge , complaint , condemnation , criticism , defiance , indictment

noun

acknowledgment , admission , amends , atonement , concession , confession , defense , excuse , explanation , extenuation , justification , mea culpa , mitigation , plea , redress , reparation , vindication , regret , apologetic , apologia , alibi , amendehonorable , amende honorable , exoneration , makeshift , pardon , penitence , pretext , remorse , substitute