Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
apology (noun)1.
a) a formal justification - defense
b) - excuse
2.
an admission of error or discourtesy accompanied by an expression of regret - a public apology
3.
a poor substitute - makeshift
Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus
apology (noun)an explanation that frees one from fault or blame
SYNONIMS:
alibi, apology, defense, justification, plea, reasonRELATED WORDS:
color, guise, pretense ( pretence), pretext, rationale, rationalization, vindication, whitewash; cop-out, out; acknowledgment ( acknowledgement), atonement, confession; extenuation, palliation