apologia

noun

Definition of apologianext
as in justification

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Synonym Chooser

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 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 The play at other times feels like the dramatist’s guilty apologia for leaving Kyiv when her mother refuses to budge. —Peter Marks, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 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
  • But, even if every Republican in both chambers had consented, this backdoor approach would have given Senate Democrats clear justification for using the filibuster to block the resolution and shut down the government.
    — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The case has become emblematic of growing judicial skepticism toward broad executive claims of foreign policy justification.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of justification
Noun
  • Indiana is winning close games and doing it with offense rather than defense.
    — Zach Harper, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • With the focus now shifting to April’s NFL Draft, The Observer is projecting the team’s three depth charts (offense, defense and special teams) ahead of the selection process to understand the holes in the roster.
    — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of defense
Noun
  • Ignorance Ignorance is never an excuse for poor governance.
    — Committee of 200, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The injury crisis became a convenient excuse for a team already playing quite badly.
    — The View from the Lane, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • Following the social media backlash, lead star Mohanlal shared an apology on his social media page.
    — Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Trump demands apology from Maine governor after clash over trans athlete ban State Rep. Laurel Libby, R-Maine, joins 'Fox & Friends Weekend' to discuss the president's clash with Maine Gov. Janet Mills over his executive order to protect women's sports.
    — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of apology
Noun
  • Entertainment Fans of the show on social media seem to be missing a lot of crucial character development, and there’s an obvious explanation why.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • These free, printable cards are available at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, and display a brief explanation of citizen and non-citizen rights under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments.
    — Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • The argument is awkward for Warner Bros. Discovery, given that Rowling and Oliver are effectively colleagues.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Visscher presents climate change as the ultimate pro-nuclear argument.
    — Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of argument
Noun
  • Based on Knox’s statements, Lumumba was brought in for questioning, despite having an ironclad alibi.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Reba's son, Shelby Blackstock, and his wife Marissa had the perfect alibi for the grand surprise.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Southern Living, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of alibi
Noun
  • But Wu will take the ruling as vindication – yet another win for her in a series of high profile victories for her administration and campaign over the last few weeks.
    — Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The mother's lawyer, Ronald Hayley, tells PEOPLE that the decision to charge Gilpin is vindication for his client.
    — Chris Spargo, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of vindication

Browse Nearby Words

apologetic
apologia
apologiae
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Cite this Entry

“Apologia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apologia. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a game of hangman on lined paper
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All