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

More likely, many countries could be reticent to accept “volcano refugees,” making excuses – perhaps legitimate ones – that they don’t have the money, resources or space to safely settle so many people so swiftly.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 22, 2026

Antisemitism is the oldest form of hate, and throughout history it has found new excuses.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026

Let’s tackle the first, which is how to stop the barrage of bizarre excuses.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 17, 2026

But for some, when it came time to settle up, Nelson Holdo was full of excuses.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 31, 2026

I don't know why my mother continues to make excuses for her—she'd never let me get away with such bad behavior.

From "Born Behind Bars" by Padma Venkatraman