Synonyms of apologia

apologia

noun

as in justification

Synonyms & Similar Words

• justification
• defense
• excuse
• apology
• explanation
• argument
• alibi
• vindication
• accounting
• rationale
• case
• plea
• appeal
• reason
• account
• rationalization
• pretext
• pretense
• pretence
• guise

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

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

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