apologia

noun

Definition of apologianext
as in justification

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How does the noun apologia contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of apologia are alibi, apology, excuse, plea, and pretext. While all these words mean "matter offered in explanation or defense," apologia implies not admission of guilt or regret but a desire to make clear the grounds for some course, belief, or position.

his speech was an apologia for his foreign policy

When could alibi be used to replace apologia?

The meanings of alibi and apologia largely overlap; however, alibi implies a desire to shift blame or evade punishment and imputes mere plausibility to the explanation.

his alibi failed to stand scrutiny

Where would apology be a reasonable alternative to apologia?

Although the words apology and apologia have much in common, apology usually applies to an expression of regret for a mistake or wrong with implied admission of guilt or fault and with or without reference to mitigating or extenuating circumstances.

said by way of apology that he would have met them if he could

When would excuse be a good substitute for apologia?

The words excuse and apologia are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, excuse implies an intent to avoid or remove blame or censure.

used illness as an excuse for missing the meeting

In what contexts can plea take the place of apologia?

The synonyms plea and apologia are sometimes interchangeable, but plea stresses argument or appeal for understanding or sympathy or mercy.

her usual plea that she was nearsighted

When might pretext be a better fit than apologia?

In some situations, the words pretext and apologia are roughly equivalent. However, pretext suggests subterfuge and the offering of false reasons or motives in excuse or explanation.

used any pretext to get out of work

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of apologia The original presentation of the first Apple Watch, prior to its hard pivot into fitness and health (and, morbidly, survival) had the tenor of an iPhone apologia. —Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 29 May 2024 Not everyone, of course, has had that life experience; some might see this show as an apologia for the already indulged. —Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 28 Mar. 2024 Frum’s apologia is so riddled with errors of commission, omission, perspective, and internal inconsistency that his heart hardly even seems to be in it. —Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 6 Feb. 2024 An apologia writ in hair about what happens when a muscular intellect is married to frail corporate governance. —Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2023 See All Example Sentences for apologia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apologia
  1. justification
  2. defense
  3. excuse
  4. apology
  5. explanation
  6. argument
  7. alibi
  8. vindication
Noun
  • While not all partners who cheat have dark personality traits, those who do often share certain justifications for their behavior.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • There is no other justification for trading a sturdy, dependable backup center for one who played 16 underwhelming games last season.
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 17 July 2025
Definition of justification
Noun
  • The obvious question facing Minter and his defense is whether the Chargers can repeat their efficiency during the upcoming season.
    — Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 20 July 2025
  • Hedging existing military capabilities with solutions from defense tech vendors not only complements what defense primes can do with large platforms (ships, planes and tanks) but also brings more competition to defense procurement with companies that can ramp manufacturing quickly.
    — Michael Brown, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Definition of defense
Noun
  • The Turkish leader has also used the 2016 coup attempt against him as an excuse to pull apart the rule of law and any vestiges of institutional governance in Turkey.
    — Jesse Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • But that's absolutely no excuse, because intent doesn't excuse ignorance.
    — Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 13 July 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • Delta also issued an apology to travelers for the disruption to their plans.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2025
  • In 2020, a cycle 6 clip of Banks urging Evans to fix the gap in her teeth resurfaced, prompting the former ANTM judge to issue an apology.
    — Catherine Santino, People.com, 20 July 2025
Definition of apology
Noun
  • But this conventional view overlooks a more important explanation.
    — Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025
  • Thankfully, there was an entirely logical explanation, which Christain was only too happy to provide.
    — Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • In his ruling Thursday, Sabraw said the government did not prevail on any of those arguments.
    — Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2025
  • Both sides will make their final arguments beginning at 1:30 p.m. Ridgewood and Jackson-Holbrook Little Leagues make up the other teams to advance to the state final.
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of argument
Noun
  • The data was used to prosecute Bumpass, putting him near the crime scene and countering his alibi about dropping the teen off in Covington.
    — Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
  • The judge had barred the defense from submitting an official alibi, as no one could confirm Kohberger’s whereabouts at the time of the killings.
    — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
Definition of alibi
Noun
  • Grant would surely see this as vindication of his thesis: Canada has abandoned its traditional identity in favor of a Canadian copy of America’s Ellis Island narrative.
    — Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 2 July 2025
  • Now, while the verdict is mixed, Combs can claim some vindication on being cleared of the most serious charges.
    — Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 2 July 2025
Definition of vindication

Browse Nearby Words

apologetic
apologia
apologiae
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Cite this Entry

“Apologia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apologia. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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