excuse

[ik-skyooz, ik-skyoos] / ɪkˈskyuz, ɪkˈskyus /

NOUN

reason, explanation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alibi apology justification pretext rationalization substitute trick

STRONG

cleanup cover defense disguise evasion expedient extenuation grounds jive makeshift mitigation plea regrets routine semblance shift song stall stopgap story subterfuge vindication whitewash

WEAK

come-off cop-out cover story coverup fish story song and dance why and wherefore

Antonyms

STRONG

permanent

VERB

forgive, absolve; justify

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acquit condone defend exempt exonerate explain forgive indulge let go pardon relieve spare tolerate

STRONG

alibi appease clear cover discharge exculpate extenuate free liberate mitigate overlook pretext purge rationalize release remit reprieve shrive vindicate whitewash

WEAK

apologize for bear with dispense from exempt from give absolution grant amnesty let off make allowances for pass over plead ignorance shrug off take rap for wink at

Antonyms

STRONGEST

accuse blame censure charge condemn damn hurt punish sentence

STRONG

aggravate hold incite irritate keep limit maintain prevent restrain reveal

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.

I just didn’t think I needed a colonoscopy yet — and I always had an excuse ready.

From Los Angeles Times

Those with a reasonable excuse may avoid being fined.

From BBC

Munden notes that while the insights into these characters given in each episode doesn't "excuse" their behaviour, it does help our understanding.

From BBC

I use my water bottle as an excuse to buy myself time to think about what Pua is saying.

From Literature

This cannot be a “no excuses” school in the way that some urban charter schools are.

From The Wall Street Journal

excuse

Example Sentences

Related Words