Corporate English
Dictionaries
About us
App
Sign up
ES
Grab your gift
Blog
Dictionaries
Commonly Confused Words
Apology/Excuse
Master confusing words with ease
A hold/Ahold
Hostel/Hostile
May have/May of
Preclude/Prelude
Apology vs. Excuse
Apology
/əˈpɒlədʒi/
Learn more about synonyms and antonyms
A statement expressing regret or asking for forgiveness for a mistake or offense.
Examples:
His
apology
seemed very sincere.
They demanded an
apology
for the mistake.
Synonyms:
sorry
regret
remorse
confession
explanation
Antonyms:
accusation
blame
charge
Learn more about synonyms and antonyms
Excuse
/ɪkˈskjuːz/
Learn more about synonyms and antonyms
A reason or explanation given to justify a fault or offense.
Examples:
Excuse
me, where is the nearest bus stop?
What's your
excuse
for being late today?
Synonyms:
reason
justification
explanation
alibi
Antonyms:
accusation
charge
blame
Learn more about synonyms and antonyms
Ways to tell them apart:
An apology is an expression of regret, while an excuse is often a reason given to explain or defend a mistake.
You apologize when you acknowledge you did something wrong; you make an excuse when you're trying to justify it.
An apology is sincere and relates to feelings; an excuse relates to circumstances.
Apologies often involve acceptance of responsibility; excuses might not involve admission of fault.
An apology aims to repair relationships, whereas an excuse might not have that intention.
When to use apology:
When to use excuse:
© 2026 Lithium Lab Pte Ltd