apologia

noun

Definition of apologianext
as in justification

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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 The play at other times feels like the dramatist’s guilty apologia for leaving Kyiv when her mother refuses to budge. —Peter Marks, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2023 See All Example Sentences for apologia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apologia
  1. justification
  2. defense
  3. excuse
  4. apology
  5. explanation
  6. argument
  7. alibi
  8. vindication
Noun
  • Furthermore, China restricts the import of many U.S.-grown foods through its slow and complex approval process for biotech crops, often citing health and safety concerns as justification.
    — Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Proposing de-extinction as justification for rolling back the Endangered Species Act and its many effective protections is a dangerous distraction.
    — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of justification
Noun
  • Foreign ownership caps exist in critical sectors like telecom, aviation, and defense.
    — Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • This and that The Bruins have several players wearing the same number on offense and defense.
    — Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Definition of defense
Noun
  • And certainly, the Tampa Bay Rays aren’t making any excuses.
    — Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • And with screeners, virtual Q&As and digital forms readily available, there’s really no excuse to leave everything until the last minute.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • With apologies to Brian Schottenheimer, how about Dallas?
    — The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • While some parents might rush to force their kids to make a hasty and superficial apology–or even non-apology–taking an engaged approach instead of a reactive one allowed this father and son to make a sincere attempt at amends that took into account the other person’s feelings.
    — Christian Dashiell, Parents, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of apology
Noun
  • After a brief explanation of the challenge and its purpose, the group will hike in Lyonia Preserve and submit photos that will be used to document the biodiversity of Volusia County.
    — Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The company didn’t offer a clear explanation, but noted that much has changed since Google first announced its plan to phase out cookies in 2019.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • Combs’ defense team made arguments for delaying the trial up to two months, but the judge was not swayed.
    — KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Gregory, who became known as Gregory the Great, had reasons to advance such an argument.
    — Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of argument
Noun
  • But Kappen’s wife gave an alibi for him at the time, the BBC reported, drawing investigators off his trail.
    — Sean Neumann, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Based on Knox’s statements, Lumumba was brought in for questioning, despite having an ironclad alibi.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of alibi
Noun
  • But in the crypto world, it was celebrated as a moment of vindication.
    — David Yaffe-Bellany, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
  • While Duterte's arrest is a moment of vindication for those who have campaigned for the victims of the anti-drugs crackdown, Arguelles says the former president still maintains plenty of support.
    — Adam Hancock, NPR, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of vindication

Browse Nearby Words

apologetic
apologia
apologiae
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Apologia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apologia. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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