apologia

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 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
Noun
  • Johnson did not cite a reason for Turner’s removal, but Turner told CBS News that the speaker cited concerns from Mar-a-Lago as justification.
    Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The letter, published on Jan. 14, points out that Walmart has not provided financial or business justifications for this policy change.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Castle has started 23 games and has helped shore up the team’s perimeter defense while also averaging 11.6 points.
    Mike Monroe, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Newsweek reached out to the White House and a defense lawyer who represented Dempsey via email on Tuesday for comment.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • But the Heat didn’t want to use travel as an excuse for what happened against the Nuggets.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Most operators are not using it as an excuse to make more money.
    Doug Gollan, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • On Monday, Jones did make an on-air apology to the Serbian star and his fans with an appearance on Channel 9’s Today program.
    George Ramsay, CNN, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Tennis Australia issued a statement Monday afternoon confirming Djokovic’s receipt of the apology.
    Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Many experts suspect that the hormonal changes of perimenopause are at least part of the explanation, Dr. Edwards says.
    Amy Norton, SELF, 29 Jan. 2025
  • That's just one possible explanation for the slowdown that the pandemic worsened.
    Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 29 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Prosecutors have accused Mayers of shooting Terrell Ephron, a.k.a. ASAP Relli, on a Hollywood street corner after a heated argument on Nov. 6, 2021.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Shyne makes a forceful argument through just letting the audience be absorbed with a way of life.
    Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The court, at the time, did however uphold her conviction for slandering Lumumba, who spent two weeks behind bars before authorities eventually confirmed his alibi.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The two alleged accomplices presented alibis that clemency lawyers for Nelson have argued were not fully contested by Nelson's trial lawyers.
    James Powel, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Trump’s many personal grievances—and his obvious delight in the vindication that his victory represents—are what made this Inauguration so different from any of its predecessors, including his first one, eight years ago.
    Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Peace confines violence to self-defense in vindication of the right of self-preservation.
    Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 16 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near apologia

Cite this Entry

“Apologia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apologia. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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