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.

"We seem to be giving this generation excuses for not being resilient," Ebenezer said, adding: "We are preparing students for life."

From BBC • Jul. 3, 2026

But the majority refuses to look reality in the face and comes up with these neutral excuses.

From Slate • Jun. 25, 2026

Then turn in the most benign of public records requests — access to a calendar, for example — and prepare for weeks of delays and excuses.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2026

"We share the conviction that our region deserves security, progress, and governments that confront crime without excuses," he said on X.

From Barron's • Jun. 22, 2026

My great-grandmother didn’t want any of my excuses.

From "Gone Crazy in Alabama" by Rita Williams-Garcia