make excuses

VERB

refuse

Synonyms

STRONGEST

decline ignore protest rebuff reject turn down withdraw withhold

STRONG

demur desist disaccord disallow disapprove dissent dodge evade nix regret repel reprobate repudiate shun spurn

WEAK

beg off brush off dispense with give thumbs down to hold back hold off hold out not budge not budget not buy not care to pass up refuse to receive send off send regrets set aside turn away turn deaf ear to turn from turn one's back on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

accept allow approve

STRONG

agree consent endorse face meet sanction

WEAK

OK grant offer

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.

“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

Potts refuses to make excuses for his performance.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Green Dot did not make excuses for low achievement.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

But Australia coach Joe Schmidt said: "I don't want to make excuses, England were very, very good."

From Barron's • Nov. 1, 2025

“Josie, don’t make excuses for him,” Ivy said.

From "The School for Whatnots" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

make excuses

Example Sentences

Related Words