explain away

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.

One of them attempted to explain away her condition by claiming it was difficult to speak when reporting from cold climates.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

But we tend to justify or explain away our own contradictions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 5, 2025

There are reasons, credible ones even, to explain away why they left Minnesota empty-handed.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2025

Attempting to explain away what had happened, Watson regaled the courtroom with "Leave It to Beaver"-style stories of his upbringing.

From Salon • Sep. 14, 2024

Tad waiting for Rashid to explain the call or explain away the book.

From "Time Bomb" by Joelle Charbonneau