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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.

He withdrew from family and friends, often playing video games late into the night or finding excuses to get out of the house.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

Daniel-Hoste drew back from friends, concocting excuses to avoid meals out unless a friend offered to pay.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

“At this point, my own vulnerability and sensitivity are things that I no longer feel like I need to make excuses for,” Gyllenhaal said.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

Reaves didn’t make any excuses for his poor play.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

I told them that they didn’t need to make up lame excuses when the real reason was they didn’t care what I needed.

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz