explain away

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verb

Definition of EXPLAIN AWAY

1

to give the reason for or cause of <after the surprise attack, military leaders struggled to explain away the nation's unpreparedness>

Synonyms account (for), attribute, explain away, rationalize

Related Words condone, excuse, forgive, justify; absolve, acquit, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

2

to make (something) seem less bad by offering excuses <tried to explain away his adulterous affairs by saying that men are promiscuous by nature>

Synonyms deodorize, excuse, explain away, extenuate, gloss (over), gloze (over), whitewash

Related Words sugarcoat, varnish; apologize, atone, confess; account (for), explain, justify, rationalize; minimize, play down, soft-pedal; alleviate, ease, lessen, lighten, mitigate, moderate, soften, temper; absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate