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 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
Noun
  • Trump’s predecessors feared that strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, regardless of their tactical success, could give Tehran the political justification to withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and openly pursue nuclear arms, driving its program further underground and out of sight.
    Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
  • The country's President Vladimir Putin met with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Moscow on June 23 and said there was no justification for the U.S. attack and called aggression against Iran groundless.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • The Pentagon on Thursday released an extraordinary number of details about the military's top-secret bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities and its defense of an air base in Qatar.
    Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 26 June 2025
  • The Stoxx Europe 600 index fell 0.74%, despite European defense stocks climbing on news of a NATO deal.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • It’s been tough to shuffle the pitching rotation, and tough to shuttle guys back and forth from Triple-A to make up for injuries, but the Mets aren’t using injuries as an excuse.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025
  • The incident offered Russia an excuse to send in military forces and grab control of both South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
    Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Earlier this month, Sanchez issued an apology after audio was released that seemingly showed PSOE secretary Santos Cerdan discussing improperly awarding public contracts in exchange for commissions, BBC News reported.
    Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
  • On Tuesday, Kove issued an official apology to Hannah-Kim for the assault at the convention.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • However, without explanation, the company withdrew the bid protest four days later on July 1.
    Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 21 June 2025
  • But in its most simple explanation, the Chiefs trick people.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • The murder trial was set to begin next month, starting with jury selection on Aug. 4, and opening arguments two weeks later.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 1 July 2025
  • That argument has caught the attention of the Trump administration.
    Daniel Ackerman, NPR, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • And there was the issue of Chandler's alibi — according to Detective Volle, a changing, unconfirmable one.
    Ruth Chenetz, CBS News, 31 May 2025
  • Prosecutors claim those were an attempt to bolster his alibi.
    Julie Tremaine, People.com, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • For many of the organizers behind them, this ruling offered legal vindication.
    Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • His celebration in the immediate aftermath was part relief, a bit vindication and full elation.
    Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 11 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apologia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apologia. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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