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

Bart DeLorenzo, L.A.’s most playfully provocative theater auteur, doesn’t need any excuses to direct a Henrik Ibsen play.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

“I’ve heard some creative excuses for blocking housing in Los Angeles, but golfing mountain lions may take the prize.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 22, 2026

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

At these schools, there are no excuses, and the achievement gap has all but disappeared.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

The school sent notes home, and I answered them by writing excuses on the unwanted typewriter and signing my mother’s name to them.

From "Bad Boy" by Walter Dean Myers