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
  • The story posted yesterday about Adam and Tatis joining Manny Machado as All-Stars, includes some justification for Tatis being an All-Star despite his struggles the past two-plus months.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025
  • The legal justification is mainly based on not exposing neighbors to secondhand smoke.
    — Phillip Molnar, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
Definition of justification
Noun
  • Clarence Darrow, a celebrated defense attorney, represented Scopes.
    — Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 8 July 2025
  • At Lopez’s sentencing, his defense attorney, Michael F. Hart, described his client's actions on the time check card as following department norms.
    — Ashley Luthern, jsonline.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of defense
Noun
  • For the artist, every appearance is an excuse to adorn herself with beautiful pieces.
    — Jessica Scemama, Glamour, 6 July 2025
  • National French Fry Day is observed on July 11, and this is a great excuse to try fries in some unexpected and delicious new ways.
    — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • How bosses should apologize Wilson's statement had several elements of an effective apology.
    — Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 7 July 2025
  • Escobar later issued an apology and addressed the allegations on Instagram.
    — Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 7 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
  • That request may become even more important to prosecutors if Routh is speaking and making arguments for himself at his trial.
    — Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • Could this argument exempt them from the exit tax, sparing them significant financial consequences?
    — Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 12 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
  • 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
  • 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
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 19 Jul. 2025.

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