1. (verb) defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning

• apologize
• excuse
• justify
• rationalise
• rationalize

2. (verb) acknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing

• apologize

1. (verb) defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning

• color
• colour
• gloss
• extenuate
• mitigate
• palliate
• plead

1. (verb) defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning

• defend
• fend for
• support

1. (verb) defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning

• alibi
• exculpation
• excuse
• self-justification
• apologetic
• excusatory
• apologia
• apology
• apologist
• justifier
• vindicator
• apology
• defensive
• defensive
• justificative
• justificative
• justificatory
• justificatory
• justifiable
• justification
• justification
• justification
• rationalisation
• rationalisation
• rationalization
• rationalization

2. (verb) acknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing

• apology
• apology