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
  • The representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent to their offices Sunday about the justification by DHS for terminating TPS for Venezuelan recipients who’d received the designation from the Biden administration in 2023.
    Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 2 Feb. 2025
  • There’s the risk that evil could almost become a justification.
    Gianmaria Tammaro, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • An offensive-minded, proficient pick-and-roll partner is exactly what the doctor ordered for the second-year Frenchman — and Fox consistently driving into the teeth of defense with a trailing Wembanyama could be devastating for opposing teams.
    Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Baylor freshman guard Robert Wright sliced through the KU defense for 24 points, 20 the second half.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 2 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Use the seasons or holidays as an excuse to swap them out!
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 2025
  • What if, the thinking goes, the prospect of CTE becomes an excuse for any violent or criminal behavior?
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Our apologies for the error, which has now been corrected, and thanks to the readers who pointed this out.
    David Szondy, New Atlas, 2 Feb. 2025
  • Gascón offered a statement of apology Thursday night after major trades and media outlets began reporting on the tweets.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Whisky fans may be familiar with some of these names, but a few of them could use a little explanation.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2025
  • The next day, Senator Chris Murphy, Democrat of Connecticut, offered a meandering explanation on his social media account of how Musk posed a major danger to American democracy and voters.
    Lisa Lerer, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The Shakopee City Council disagreed with the argument, however, rejecting a license for Top Star Market earlier this year.
    Alex Malm, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Oral arguments in his nearly 20-year-old case were heard Wednesday by the Supreme Court of California, meeting for the first time in five years in Sacramento’s historic appellate courtroom at the Stanley Mosk Library and Courthouse on the Capitol Mall downtown.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacramento Bee, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Police still took Lumumba into custody for questioning, holding him for nearly two weeks before someone provided an alibi for him, according to the AP.
    KC Baker, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
  • This information could help cross-check Robinson’s alibi or presence at specific times.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Perhaps there was vindication in the way this NFC divisional game ended — with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s unit stopping a Rams rally short after surrendering a 10-play, 70-yard touchdown drive on the penultimate possession.
    Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Pierce said this moment is a vindication not only for the Garvey family but also for those who believe in justice and the importance of revisiting historical wrongs.
    Delano Massey, Axios, 19 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 16 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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