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apologue

noun

ˈa-pə-ˌlȯg How to pronounce apologue (audio)
Definition of apologuenext
as in allegory
a story intended to teach a basic truth or moral about life the film is an apologue of sorts, but the message is couched in a zany and action-filled plot

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apologue
  1. allegory
  2. parable
  3. fable
  4. tale
Noun
  • Presented as an exhibition piece, the porch becomes an allegory for his origin story, a first runway and a place where fashion, storytelling and community convene.
    — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026
  • This year, several projects moved away from a strictly realistic approach, embracing allegory, fantasy, the absurd and even myth.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of allegory
Noun
  • References were made to the parable of the blind men and the elephant.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Mandela’s life and South Africa’s history should never be flattened into a corporate parable.
    — Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of parable
Noun
  • Is the morality fable at the end an allegory of purgatory or hell?
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Is Ancestors, the directorial feature debut of The Lodgers and The Winter Lake writer David Turpin, a love story, a noir mystery or a metaphysical fable?
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of fable
Noun
  • The Zoe reveal is a neat wrinkle in the tale, one that John admits to wondering about without being sure.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
  • These factors, including varying breeds, make the old wives tale of multiplying a dog's age by seven inaccurate.
    — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of tale
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.

Browse Nearby Words

apologizing
apologue
apologues
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Cite this Entry

“Apologue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apologue. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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