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Definitions

explain away

VERB
rationalize
Synonyms
STRONGEST
justify
STRONG
deliberate elucidate excise excuse extenuate reason reconcile resolve think vindicate
WEAK
account for apply logic cop a plea cop out give alibi intellectualize make allowance reason out think through

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.

Team USA has always had a convenient excuse to explain away its disappointing track record in the World Baseball Classic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Jean doesn’t try to explain away the contradiction.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

One of them attempted to explain away her condition by claiming it was difficult to speak when reporting from cold climates.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

But they can't really explain away the documents.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2024

Yet Zeno’s paradox was so powerful that the Greeks tried over and over to explain away his infinities.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.