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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.

“We’re making it too easy on kids to find excuses rather than digging deeper and putting the time and effort in,” said Alsheimer, whose daughter starts at Boston College in the fall.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

She found herself inventing excuses to try to keep him home at night.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

"I'm not here to make excuses," Van Dijk said.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

The court said the 53-year-old had "failed to acknowledge her culpability and has instead consistently resorted to excuses".

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

I can stand across from the everyday Anne and, without being biased or making excuses, watch what she’s doing, both the good and the bad.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank