Definitions

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.

Mr Lutnick said he and his wife exchanged glances, excused themselves and left.

From BBC

Of course, this doesn’t excuse her inability to empathize with you after the party.

From MarketWatch

I'm not looking for excuses in this case.

From BBC

"This individual's isolated and violent act should not be used as an excuse to define or diminish an entire community," said its president, Shawn VanDiver.

From Barron's

“I’m sorry, but I’m not feeling up to it,” is a fair excuse, even last-minute, especially when you’re protecting your mental health from toxic relatives, exes or others you can’t handle seeing.

From Salon

excuse

Example Sentences

Related Words