excuses

Part of Speech:

All (2) Noun (1) Verb (1)

Jump To:

reason, explanation n.
forgive, absolve; justify v.

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.

See Examples For:

excuses

There were no more excuses, no more explanations for why USC was still falling short — even he seemed to agree to that.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 27, 2026

More likely, many countries could be reticent to accept “volcano refugees,” making excuses – perhaps legitimate ones – that they don’t have the money, resources or space to safely settle so many people so swiftly.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 22, 2026

"It's not about looking for excuses," the Spaniard told Sky Sports.

From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026

Let’s tackle the first, which is how to stop the barrage of bizarre excuses.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 17, 2026

“Yeah, he would,” said Harry, who did not want excuses made for Ron.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling