apologist
Americannoun
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a person who makes a defense in speech or writing of a belief, idea, etc.
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Ecclesiastical.
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Also apologete a person skilled in apologetics.
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one of the authors of the early Christian apologies in defense of the faith.
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noun
Etymology
Origin of apologist
First recorded in 1630–40; either from apolog(y) ( def. ) + -ist ( def. ) or from French apologiste
Explanation
An apologist is a person who argues in favor of something unpopular. If you're an apologist for deep sea oil drilling, you would argue that drilling in the ocean is necessary and the benefits make up for any environmental damage. Apologists tend to be seen in a negative light, as defensive people who make excuses. The word apologist comes from the Greek word apologia, meaning "speaking in defense." Not all apologists are bad news; some just defend an unpopular idea. Even though apologist is similar to apology, don't confuse them — if you make an apology you're admitting to being wrong. But if you're an apologist, you justify your belief or action, and would do it all again!
Vocabulary lists containing apologist
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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"Thomas Jefferson: The Best of Enemies" by Ron Chernow
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"Simon's Saga," Vocabulary from Episode 25
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Reid added that she was a social democrat who believed in "freedom of expression, free trade unions and free elections" and was not any sort of "admirer or apologist for the Chinese Communist party's dictatorship".
From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026
He has been denounced as a champion of imperialism, a sentimental traditionalist, a shallow Christian apologist.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026
I am a self-described dog apologist and would probably spend more money on my pet’s safety and comfort than my own.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 20, 2026
Her conclusion was startling, her tone defiant: “Put me wherever you want: misguided socialist, toothless humanist, naïve novelist, useful idiot, apologist, denier, ally, contrarian, collaborator, traitor, inexcusable coward.”
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2025
“The system is not run by a bunch of racists,” the apologist would explain.
From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
