apologia

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 One assumption of the new wave of apologias for liberalism is that, to keep attracting adherents, the stagnating ideology must be recast as a spiritual enterprise, or a personal therapy, or a grand and invigorating project. Becca Rothfeld, Washington Post, 3 July 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for apologia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apologia
Noun
  • The removal of Hill isn’t justification for a do-over, or a reason for this season being sideswiped because Hill was on the field when these Dolphins dug themselves an 0-3 hole to start the season.
    Omar Kelly October 3, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
  • During Friday's hearing, prosecutors pointed to Combs' violent behavior as a justification for a longer sentence.
    Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Welcome to the third iteration of The Athletic’s annual defense ranking tiers.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Subramanian is also weighing a defense motion to have Combs' convictions tossed.
    Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Though still watchable well into middle age, DiCaprio is no longer, on his own, an excuse to visit the cinema.
    Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025
  • This franchise, this regime, these coaches, these players have officially run out of excuses, and our patience.
    Omar Kelly October 3, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • As part of a plea agreement, prosecution was deferred on an additional charge for menacing so long as White commits no new violations over the next two years and satisfies a number of conditions, including issuing a public apology to the victim, Adam Weatherford.
    Josh Wood, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Qatar received an apology from Israel’s prime minister on Monday, along with a joint US-Israeli security guarantee that it would not be attacked again.
    Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Abramov points out that this does not disprove the Mars life explanation, but rather just presents an alternative, albeit much more probable, explanation for the evidence.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The Taliban has not yet given an explanation for its decision to implement the wider blackout this week.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • McNeill said one argument in favor of the EV sector continuing to grow is the vehicles’ increasing utility far beyond transportation.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Here's a look at both arguments.
    Todd Spangler, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Of all the owners, Thompson was the only one who allegedly didn't have an alibi.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Hence the highlight reel as alibi.
    Robyn Koslowitz, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Arteta has been criticised for having a ‘safety-first’ approach, but the numbers offer him some vindication.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • That’s a vindication story that would really make millions of viewers happy.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apologia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apologia. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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