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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.

While the excuses change — “family time,” “security concerns” and “scheduling conflicts” have been cited — the one constant is that Erika Kirk manages to not appear when the crowds aren’t looking robust.

From Salon • May 17, 2026

Reaves didn’t make any excuses for his poor play.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

“It just appears that they’re looking for excuses to say no.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

The couple had to stay away from their house with their newborn for 10 weeks while Figg continued to make excuses for the work dragging out over nine months.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

All of his fury was saved for Pearl, and later that afternoon, when she tiptoed upstairs and rapped on his door, he was not in the mood to listen to her excuses.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng