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 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
  • Tragic cases remind us of the stakes involved in child protection but using them as justification to roll back essential reforms would harm the very children and families the system was designed to protect.
    Michelle Yanche, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Carter’s lawyers included a copy of the NBC interview in court paperwork, routinely citing the inconsistencies as justification for why the lawsuit should be dismissed and why Buzbee should be sanctioned.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Automatically, one arm went up in defense, which may have saved his life.
    Al Wolter, Outdoor Life, 10 Jan. 2025
  • In his first three seasons, Glenn’s defenses have ranked 31st, 28th and 23rd in points allowed.
    Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • China, meanwhile, rejects U.S. concerns about its aims to further develop its nuclear forces, accusing Washington of using it as an excuse to grow its own nuclear arsenal.
    Brad Dress, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025
  • The Knicks hope to get some rest and recovery before then, but Brunson refused to use fatigue as an excuse after the team’s latest loss.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • On Thursday, though, the message was simply a mea culpa, an unspoken admission that a team that missed the playoffs for a seventh straight season owes some apologies.
    Josh Kendall, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Demonstrate accountability—Offer sincere apologies when necessary and avoid dismissive language that may undermine trust.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • There were no noted dissents, although Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch gave their own explanations for why the law should be upheld.
    Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Lynch leaves behind a body of work that defies explanation yet demands exploration, ensuring audiences will return to them again and again, captivated and confounded.
    Darryn King, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • By selling at current levels, the DOJ may unintentionally strengthen the argument for a strategic reserve.
    Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Though Woodall's suit filed Friday contains numerous allegations about the first Moana film, the substance of his argument focuses on the sequel released in November 2024.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • At trial, the defense challenged both witnesses’ credibility and claimed that Emmanuel McCowan had an alibi that was backed up by his parents.
    Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The passenger initially gave deputies a fake name and a 2012 birth date, but they were not fooled by this alibi as the woman appeared older, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 27 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Cirium’s data is a vindication of Southwest’s investment and efforts.
    Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
  • The new Islamic Republic of Iran was vindication for the backward underbelly of a country that had emerged with lightning speed from traditionalism.
    Mariam Memarsadeghi, Newsweek, 13 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 22 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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