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 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 In a post-truth world, pugilists and zealots dismiss such scholarly arguments as apologia for Muslim violence or as a weak case for pluralism that divests Hindus of their rights as the majority. —Supriya Gandhi, Foreign Affairs, 13 July 2020 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 passing reference to transgender men in the original grant application appears to be the sole justification for its cancellation.
    — Dan Ruetenik, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Take the issue of emissions – the main justification for the pause.
    — Wayne Winegarden, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of justification
Noun
  • The stopgap measure would increase defense spending, along with additional funding for veterans' health care, while decreasing non-defense spending below 2024 levels.
    — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Look for the Patriots to also target mid-level veterans on defense who fit the new vision for Mike Vrabel's defense.
    — Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of defense
Noun
  • At least juveniles have an excuse: The human brain isn’t fully developed until age 25.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Canada and China have both questioned the Trump administration’s focus on fentanyl, calling it an excuse to issue his tariffs.
    — William Gavin, Quartz, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • The post sparked much debate among Reddit users, and opinions were divided over whether or not the OP owed the woman an apology.
    — Toria Sheffield, People.com, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Trump is the one who owes an apology—and his resignation—to the world.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of apology
Noun
  • In a letter to the White House Office of Management and Budget, Pritzker and Illinois demanded an explanation for why state agencies, nonprofits, and businesses have not received funds.
    — Natalie Venegas, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Providing rational explanations when making proposals or setting boundaries.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • The argument as articulated so far by Trump administration officials appears to play down the economic benefits created by Social Security payments, infrastructure spending, scientific research and other forms of government spending that can shape an economy’s trajectory.
    — Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2025
  • People have different reassurance languages, and using the wrong one can leave your partner feeling unsettled, even if the argument is technically over.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of argument
Noun
  • Ed Bonner: The fact that each boy was the other's alibi is a red flag.
    — Natalie Morales, CBS News, 15 Feb. 2025
  • He was finally released after someone came forward with an alibi for him, according to The Guardian.
    — KC Baker, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025
Definition of alibi
Noun
  • The arbitration ruling is vindication of sorts for the buyers, who have been adamant over the past year that Taylor was delaying the inevitable.
    — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 10 Feb. 2025
  • For many of them, this year’s CPAC represented a moment of vindication.
    — Nik Popli, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of vindication

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Cite this Entry

“Apologia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apologia. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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