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excuses

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

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.

The court said the 53-year-old had "failed to acknowledge her culpability and has instead consistently resorted to excuses".

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Maybe the excuses we make for warfare aren’t as complex as they seem, though the practice itself obviously predates written history.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

Perhaps some of these excuses will be accepted, but in palaces across the Arabian Peninsula, assumptions are already shifting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

Jane said Al Fayed's behaviour had escalated, making her feel "more and more uncomfortable to the point where I was looking for excuses not to go into his office".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Another one is funny—a list of increasingly ridiculous excuses to get out of a punishment.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison