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

She remembers making a series of excuses to Sudeikis.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026

When people notice his plentiful bruises, Almásy makes up excuses, leading them to think he’s a klutz.

From Salon ● Jul. 28, 2026

Yet, even under the new rules, landlords were finding excuses to refuse potential tenants with pets, according to Russell Hunt, founder of Pets Lets, which matches clients with pet-friendly rentals.

From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026

With a roster full of players from major European teams and 13 who were World Cup veterans, a lack of quality and experience no longer were valid excuses.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2026

“We are not interested in excuses, Miss Milly. Our emphasis this term, as you should be aware, is on excellence.”

From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein