make allowances

VERB

extenuate

Synonyms

STRONG

decrease diminish downplay excuse justify minimize moderate palliate qualify reduce soften

Antonyms

STRONG

develop enlarge expand extend grow increase raise

VERB

justify

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advocate condone confirm countenance defend explain favor maintain rationalize support sustain uphold validate vindicate warrant

STRONG

absolve acquit alibi approve assert brief claim clear contend crawl establish exculpate excuse exonerate legalize palliate pardon plead rebut square verify

WEAK

answer for apologize for argue for be answerable for bear out cop a plea do justice to make good show cause speak in favor stand up for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

attack condemn contradict deny desert disapprove neglect oppose refuse reject veto

STRONG

accuse blame charge convict damn disagree disprove incriminate invalidate punish sentence

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.

When you make allowances for paying less payroll and income tax, finally get rid of your mortgage and reduce your day-to-day traveling expenses, you will hopefully cut at least 20% each month.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 12, 2026

"We've got to make allowances for people who are trying to do the right thing and were fractionally over the limit," added Ch Insp Morgan.

From BBC • Sep. 13, 2024

People make sense even when they aren’t sensible; but science, when it doesn’t, requires you to make allowances.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2024

It would seem that his stern morality does not preclude him from being practical enough to make allowances when political power is at stake.

From Salon • Oct. 30, 2023

“My mum said we need to make allowances for you,” Lily finally said.

From "A Monster Calls" by Patrick Ness

make allowances

Example Sentences

Related Words