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

I'm not looking for excuses, I'm looking for answers and to find the person who is also partially accountable for Kayden's death.

From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026

When people notice his plentiful bruises, Almásy makes up excuses, leading them to think he’s a klutz.

From Salon ● Jul. 28, 2026

A positive start in Friday's Premiership curtain-raiser at Dundee United is crucial for McInnes as excuses start to run dry.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

“We haven’t made excuses, we’ve just continued to perform,” GM Chief Executive Mary Barra said in a Tuesday call with analysts.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026

October also meant that the Fall Fiesta was looming, and it was getting harder to find excuses for why I needed to stay after school or go to Joe’s.

From "The First Rule of Punk" by Celia C. Pérez