To offer an apology or excuse for some fault, insult, failure, or injury.
acknowledge faults
make excuses for
acknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing; "I apologized for being late"; "He apologized for the many typoes"
defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning; "rationalize the child''s seemingly crazy behavior"; "he rationalized his lack of success"
acknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing
defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning