apologist

American  

[uh-pol-uh-jist] / əˈpɒl ə dʒɪst /

noun

1. a person who makes a defense in speech or writing of a belief, idea, etc.

2. Ecclesiastical.

   1. Also apologete a person skilled in apologetics.

   2. one of the authors of the early Christian apologies in defense of the faith.

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apologist British  

/ əˈpɒlədʒɪst /

noun

1. a person who offers a defence by argument

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Etymology

Origin of apologist

First recorded in 1630–40; either from apolog(y) ( def. ) + -ist ( def. ) or from French apologiste

Example Sentences

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