apologist

[ uh-pol-uh-jist ]

noun

1. a person who makes a defense in speech or writing of a belief, idea, etc.
2. Ecclesiastical.
   1. Also a·pol·o·gete [] a person skilled in apologetics.
   2. one of the authors of the early Christian apologies in defense of the faith.

apologist

/ əˈpɒlədʒɪst /

noun

1. a person who offers a defence by argument

Word History and Origins

Origin of apologist¹

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

Example Sentences

Last year, after his wife and writing partner, Polly Samson, tweeted that Waters was a “Putin apologist and a lying, thieving, hypocritical, tax-avoiding, lip-synching, misogynistic, sick-with-envy megalomaniac,” Gilmour wrote in a follow-up post, “Every word demonstrably true.”

From Los Angeles Times

While he renounced his father's acts of violence across the globe, he has also been accused by some of being an apologist for Osama's actions, referring to him as a "kind" man who had followed a strict religious and moral code.

From BBC

His X feed is littered with misinformation and posts with a Nazi apologist.

From Los Angeles Times

Even in the present day, a Southern apologist for slavery has written a screed for something called the Abbeville Foundation extolling Maistre’s hatred of republics.

From Salon

Notably, the biggest donor to Gabbard’s political action committee in 2021 was Putin apologist Sharon Tennison.

From Salon