apologia

noun

Definition of apologianext
as in justification

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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
  • And still others, eyes already on 2028, are quietly offering up preemptive justifications before the blame begins to settle.
    — Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
  • This revelation follows the Trump administration's use of the fight against antisemitism as a justification for deporting pro-Palestinian student protesters and implementing funding cuts to universities.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 14 May 2025
Definition of justification
Noun
  • Progress on the bill stalled after ultraconservative members of the House Freedom Caucus demanded further changes, including tax cuts, sweeping changes to Medicaid and food benefits, border security, defense funding and more.
    — Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • The Pacers are exhausting, owners of a top-10 defense since early December.
    — Fred Katz, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Definition of defense
Noun
  • Wednesday, May 28, is National Hamburger Day, giving burger chains an excuse to offer their customers some deals.
    — Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 28 May 2025
  • And what is a podcast, after all, if not an excuse to hang out with people who seem cool?
    — Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 28 May 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • The owner of a San Diego café issued a public apology after at least 98 people got sick, including nine who were hospitalized, according to local reports.
    — Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
  • Some Seneca members, however, noted that an apology means little without meaningful action.
    — Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025
Definition of apology
Noun
  • The new study, published this month in Psychological Science, offers one explanation about this phenomenon.
    — Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • For music-loving New Yorkers who grew up in the pre-digital age, the title of Jake Sumner’s first feature-length film needs no explanation.
    — Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2025
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • Yet Vance has for years been picking an argument with the Chief Justice over the legitimacy of federal court orders.
    — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 25 May 2025
  • The dynamic may be marked by frequent ruptures, including arguments, silent treatment or emotional withdrawal, followed by sudden closeness, reconciliation or affection.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Definition of argument
Noun
  • His alibi was supported by his sister, who had been in the United States for just a few weeks, and by Marty, who was 5 at the time.
    — Christopher Maag, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • Investigators also looked into Nathan's alibi for that night.
    — Audrey Karnan, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of alibi
Noun
  • While questions over mentality will be assessed, players’ physical levels showed a marked improvement, offering a sense of vindication for the coaching staff.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Andre Ventura, Chega’s founder and leader, saw the outcome as vindication for his war against the establishment parties.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 19 May 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 4 Jun. 2025.

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