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

Examples 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 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 Too often, the postscripts that accompany the memos—mostly written by the original authors reflecting on their policy’s subsequent ups and downs—come across as an apologia. Foreign Affairs, 22 Aug. 2023 See all Example Sentences for apologia 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apologia
Noun
  • So then if there's no policy justification, why are both candidates talking about this?
    Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • But now, more than ever, there is no good justification for adding one’s name to X’s list of active users.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald’s scheme gave Purdy fits last year when Macdonald coordinated Baltimore’s defense (four interceptions), but produced 255 yards and three touchdowns with no turnovers and no sacks in the 49ers’ win at Seattle last month.
    Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • Applied Energetics continues to focus on developing its laser and optical systems for defense and commercial applications, highlighting its recent agreements and expansions in laboratory space.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Even if a more irritable side of her personality has emerged, there’s no excuse for cruelty.
    R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 4 Nov. 2024
  • In social situations, redirect the conversation to some other topic (or come up with a polite excuse to exit).
    Angela Haupt, TIME, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • The final report outlined 138 recommendations, including calling for public apologies from New Zealand’s government, as well as the pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury, heads of the Catholic and Anglican churches, respectively, who have condemned child abuse.
    Reuters, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
  • On whether Samuel owes him an apology: There doesn’t need to be.
    Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Godot provides extensive documentation with clear explanations for even its most confusing concepts.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
  • For the lower 3-D level of fossils, the explanation of cause of death is much more banal: burrow collapse.
    Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the judge also heard arguments about whether Kohberger may pose a danger to others.
    Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Well, honestly, Bob, there is no policy argument for changing the rule, or at least no good argument.
    Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • According to Bragg's office, the reinvestigation into Ward's murder found that the DNA testing results could have impacted the jury’s consideration of other trial evidence, including Velazquez’s alibi, the lack of evidence connecting him to the crime and inconsistent witness descriptions.
    Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2024
  • This could have impacted the jury’s consideration of other trial evidence, including Velazquez’s alibi, the fact that no evidence connected him to the crime, and that the eyewitnesses provided inconsistent descriptions.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 30 Sep. 2024
Noun
  • Had Erik Ten Hag departed with a feeling of vindication after Manchester United's shock 2-1 win against bitter rivals Manchester City in May's FA Cup final, both sides could have parted ways with heads held high.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
  • One seeking vindication, promising a return to greatness.
    Addie Morfoot, Variety, 25 Sep. 2024

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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 21 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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