explain away

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.

“In the coming days, network leadership may attempt to hide behind corporate euphemisms like ‘modernization’ and ‘restructuring’ to explain away my departure,” Alfonsi said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

Collagen is the primary structural protein found in bone tissue and one of the hardest biomolecules to explain away as contamination when identified in this context.

From Science Daily • May 14, 2026

One of them attempted to explain away her condition by claiming it was difficult to speak when reporting from cold climates.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

But we tend to justify or explain away our own contradictions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 5, 2025

However, at the bottom of the report there were a few well- chosen comments from the school nurse that not even Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia could explain away.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling