apologia

Definition of apologianext

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 Taken in bad faith, some of these things might sound like apologia or good fortune, but that is the nature of tennis and of seizing the moment: winning against what is immediately in front of you. James Hansen, The Athletic, 13 Aug. 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for apologia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apologia
Noun
  • Trump has long claimed that the federal government under President Biden went after him and his political allies without justification and in violation of the law.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
  • That’s the sound of a man who looked at last season and saw justification in the Warriors’ record, not injustice.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • For Carl Douglas, one of those defense attorneys, that moment stands among his clearest memories of the trial.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
  • But Detroit’s damning offensive flaws, which its defense compensated for during the regular season, were exposed by the Cavs.
    Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • His excuses ranged from being too cold, to not having his phone or watch on him, to being a chill person who doesn’t like to show up early to the tee.
    Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • So there’s no excuse not to finalize this deal promptly regardless of whether that induces a hissy fit from United Here and the Chicago Federation of Labor.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • The producers read an apology on air the following week.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
  • No excuses, no justifications, a sincere apology.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Professional commentators tended to see these developments in so many local terms—turning, for their explanations, to national histories, cultures and institutions.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • Arthur was taken back to the doctor two additional times in the ensuing weeks and was given various explanations about his condition, including asthma and even anxiety.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • The argument for keeping an underperforming manager tends to centre on whether there were enough mitigating circumstances behind a bad season, and whether the club can use their summer to make the correct changes in player recruitment and wider infrastructure to fix things.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • This abrupt stylistic shift is in service of an overtly political argument.
    Vadim Rizov, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • Weinstein’s attorneys have denied that encounter ever took place, and have argued that the trial judge improperly withheld evidence that would have bolstered his alibi.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 15 May 2026
  • An indirect attack points outside the file, an alibi where the depicted location, person, or event can be falsified by external fact.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Just a handful of states are not part of the compact and Operation Nightingale may serve as some vindication for the holdouts.
    Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
  • Although some Republicans appear to still be seeking vindication, Democrats are convinced the probe itself is a threat to future elections.
    Caleb Groves, AJC.com, 7 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Apologia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apologia. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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