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Definitions

explain away

VERB
rationalize
Synonyms
STRONGEST
justify
STRONG
deliberate elucidate excise excuse extenuate reason reconcile resolve think vindicate
WEAK
account for apply logic cop a plea cop out give alibi intellectualize make allowance reason out think through

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

Yet just seven games in, familiar noises are starting to come out of Old Trafford to explain away below-par results.

From BBC • Sep. 25, 2024

There was no way to explain away what I’d seen.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer