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apol·o·get·ics | \ ə-ˌpä-lə-ˈje-tiks 
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\Definition of apologetics
1 : systematic argumentative discourse (see discourse entry 1 sense 2a) in defense (as of a doctrine)
2 : a branch of theology devoted to the defense of the divine origin and authority of Christianity
Examples of apologetics in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web That is an apologetics for white supremacy, an ideology with a long legacy of violence.
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Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, "How Social-Media Trolls Turned U.C. Berkeley Into a Free-Speech Circus," 23 May 2016 Aspiring pastoral candidates were inspired by his capacity to teach systematic theology and apologetics, the defense of the Christian faith.
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Russell Pulliam, Washington Post, "Theologian R.C. Sproul, who influenced evangelical beliefs about the Bible, dies at 78," 15 Dec. 2017 Many of its students are pastors who want to get more education in Christian apologetics, or defending the faith using history, reason, evidence and philosophy.
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Tim Funk, charlotteobserver, "With more students streaming classes online, school plans to sell campus and find smaller facility," 29 July 2017
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'apologetics.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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Time Traveler for apologetics
The first known use of apologetics was circa 1733
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