excuses

Strongest matches

• alibi
• apology
• justification
• pretext
• rationalization
• substitute
• trick

Strong matches

• cleanup
• cover
• defense
• disguise
• evasion
• expedient
• extenuation
• grounds
• jive
• makeshift
• mitigation
• plea
• regrets
• routine
• semblance
• shift
• song
• stall
• stopgap
• story
• subterfuge
• vindication
• whitewash

Weak matches

• cop-out
• cover story
• coverup
• fish story
• song and dance
• why and wherefore

Strongest matches

• acquit
• condone
• defend
• exempt
• exonerate
• explain
• forgive
• indulge
• let go
• pardon
• relieve
• spare
• tolerate

Strong matches

• alibi
• appease
• clear
• cover
• discharge
• exculpate
• extenuate
• free
• liberate
• mitigate
• overlook
• pretext
• purge
• rationalize
• release
• remit
• reprieve
• shrive
• vindicate
• whitewash

Weak matches

• 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