excuses

alibi apology justification pretext rationalization substitute trick

cleanup cover defense disguise evasion expedient extenuation grounds jive makeshift mitigation plea regrets routine semblance shift song stall stopgap story subterfuge vindication whitewash

cop-out cover story coverup fish story song and dance why and wherefore

permanent

acquit condone defend exempt exonerate explain forgive indulge let go pardon relieve spare tolerate

alibi appease clear cover discharge exculpate extenuate free liberate mitigate overlook pretext purge rationalize release remit reprieve shrive vindicate whitewash

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

accuse blame censure charge condemn damn hurt punish sentence

aggravate hold incite irritate keep limit maintain prevent restrain reveal