excuse

[ik-skyooz, ik-skyoos] / ɪkˈskyuz, ɪkˈskyus /

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

come-off 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.

Analysts are divided over whether Microsoft’s diversified business model is a long-term AI advantage or a convenient present-day excuse.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Promise not to punch me in the arm or make excuses and run away?”

From Literature

“Would you listen to yourself? You’re making excuses for him. When are you going to open your eyes?”

From Literature

“Now you have no excuse not to help.”

From Literature

He sees Microsoft with “many mouths to feed” and he doesn’t believe that’s a “good excuse” for the disappointing Azure performance.

From MarketWatch

excuse

Example Sentences

Related Words