apologia

noun

Definition of apologianext
as in justification

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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 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
  1. justification
  2. defense
  3. excuse
  4. apology
  5. explanation
  6. argument
  7. alibi
  8. vindication
Noun
  • The justification for these cuts has been cloaked in the language of fiscal responsibility.
    — TrickleUp, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The legal justification is that motorcyclists are less visible, especially in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions, which increases the risk of collisions.
    — Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 28 July 2025
Definition of justification
Noun
  • Busey's defense attorney, Blair Zwillman, tells Entertainment Weekly that the actor is relieved to have entered his plea.
    — Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Prior to Busey entering his guilty plea, his defense attorney had attempted to get the indictment dismissed, claiming that police failed to question certain witnesses.
    — David Matthews, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of defense
Noun
  • Freedom of speech has become an excuse to outright discriminate against entire groups of people and incite hate and violence without consequence.
    — Tracy Sachs, Sun Sentinel, 29 July 2025
  • But that’s not even a good enough excuse for how bad the Liberty looked in Monday’s 92-82 loss to the Dallas Wings at College Park Center.
    — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 29 July 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • Restoring fairness involves apologies, but is supported through consistent effort and meaningful actions.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • One comment in particular stuck with her — a follower who shared that their neighbor’s child with Down syndrome had picked their flowers by mistake, prompting a heartfelt apology the next day.
    — Ashley Vega, People.com, 30 July 2025
Definition of apology
Noun
  • On the other hand, vague explanations or rigid policies may suggest pay inequities, poor planning, or a top-down management structure.
    — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • Most questions are multiple-choice, but some seek explanations.
    — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • In his ruling Thursday, Sabraw said the government did not prevail on any of those arguments.
    — Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2025
  • Both sides will make their final arguments beginning at 1:30 p.m. Ridgewood and Jackson-Holbrook Little Leagues make up the other teams to advance to the state final.
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of argument
Noun
  • The data was used to prosecute Bumpass, putting him near the crime scene and countering his alibi about dropping the teen off in Covington.
    — Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
  • The judge had barred the defense from submitting an official alibi, as no one could confirm Kohberger’s whereabouts at the time of the killings.
    — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
Definition of alibi
Noun
  • Now, while the verdict is mixed, Combs can claim some vindication on being cleared of the most serious charges.
    — Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 2 July 2025
  • Grant would surely see this as vindication of his thesis: Canada has abandoned its traditional identity in favor of a Canadian copy of America’s Ellis Island narrative.
    — Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 2 July 2025
Definition of vindication

Browse Nearby Words

apologetic
apologia
apologiae
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Cite this Entry

“Apologia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apologia. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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