extenuate

Whatever tends to extenuate the guilt of other sins, is an aggravation of this.

In such circumstances I cannot seek to extenuate any of my faults or follies.

Above disguise, above art, above attempting to extenuate a failing.

They attempted to extenuate their crimes by the hardships they had suffered, but in vain.

There was a vindictiveness in these crimes which no plea can extenuate.

I do not extenuate my own offences, but I will not criminate others.

These may extenuate though they cannot justify the crime I have committed.

If you cannot extenuate her fault, you can at least remember her provocations.'

What is it to extenuate, and how does that word compare with palliate?

If this plea cannot establish my innocence, it must excuse or at least extenuate my guilt.