Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

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.

I’m not here to excuse this essay or deliver some platitude about separating art from the artist.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

“I was so excited to have an event where I could finally put on my most Barbie-esque outfits and have an excuse to wear them without looking like a fool,” the 32-year-old from Florida said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

The IRS will lift penalties for reasonable cause, but a tax preparer’s negligence or error doesn’t count as an excuse, a rule TAS calls “grossly unfair.”

From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026

Attorney-client privilege isn’t an excuse to refuse disclosing passwords.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

But then the hours are packed full with long-distance calls placed all over the country and I don’t have time to think of an excuse.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

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