excuse 1 of 2

as in justification
an explanation that frees one from fault or blame "a really important business call" is no excuse for not paying proper attention to one's driving

Synonyms & Similar Words

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excuse

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun excuse contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of excuse are alibi, apologia, apology, plea, and pretext. While all these words mean "matter offered in explanation or defense," excuse implies an intent to avoid or remove blame or censure.

used illness as an excuse for missing the meeting

When could alibi be used to replace excuse?

The meanings of alibi and excuse largely overlap; however, alibi implies a desire to shift blame or evade punishment and imputes mere plausibility to the explanation.

his alibi failed to stand scrutiny

When might apologia be a better fit than excuse?

While the synonyms apologia and excuse are close in meaning, apologia implies not admission of guilt or regret but a desire to make clear the grounds for some course, belief, or position.

his speech was an apologia for his foreign policy

When can apology be used instead of excuse?

Although the words apology and excuse have much in common, apology usually applies to an expression of regret for a mistake or wrong with implied admission of guilt or fault and with or without reference to mitigating or extenuating circumstances.

said by way of apology that he would have met them if he could

When would plea be a good substitute for excuse?

While in some cases nearly identical to excuse, plea stresses argument or appeal for understanding or sympathy or mercy.

her usual plea that she was nearsighted

Where would pretext be a reasonable alternative to excuse?

The words pretext and excuse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pretext suggests subterfuge and the offering of false reasons or motives in excuse or explanation.

used any pretext to get out of work

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of excuse
Noun
This is an excuse to recalibrate – not a delay – as the moon enters Gemini. Usa Today, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025 Don't try to use the shutdown as an excuse to drag your feet. Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
LinkedIn Email Assata Shakur proves leftists excuse violence; Dems praise cop killer! The Hill, 29 Sep. 2025 If Gaza does not count, then nothing does—and the crime of crimes becomes just another weapon for the powerful to excuse, ignore, or commit with impunity. Faisal Kutty, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for excuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excuse
Noun
  • The current administration’s justification for eliminating the CSB is that its capabilities are duplicated by agencies such as the EPA and OSHA.
    Philip Steenstra, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2025
  • In a nod to the post-9/11 law, administration officials have indicated that the designation adds legal justification for the strikes.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Prizegivers have also in the past been accused of being snobbish, of having an anti-American bias and of ignoring some of the giants of literature, including Russia's Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, France's Emile Zola and Ireland's James Joyce.
    Simon Johnson, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Hoping the broadcasts ignore that will always be a fruitless endeavor.
    Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Benefits and perks Like any travel card with a hefty annual fee, the Atmos Rewards Summit card has a mile-long list of perks that are designed to deliver value that easily justifies the yearly cost.
    David McMillin, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Ducati has just refreshed its Multistrada V4 Rally – the most off-road capable in its line of performance adventure touring motorcycles – after three years, with a bunch of tech upgrades to make long journeys more comfortable and justify the slightly higher sticker price.
    Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • At Sedona Aura Photos, two photos of you (face/body) along with a 22-page report will explain your energies, chakras, state of body and mind and more.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Despite taking place at the White House, the actress explained how the film is not meant to reflect current political times but, instead, raises questions about who holds authority over nuclear weapons.
    Giana Levy, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Bills and Eagles both losing last week left the NFL with no unbeaten teams this year as the 1972 Perfect Season Dolphins had reason to celebrate yet again.
    Greg Cote October 9, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Hill’s option will likely be exercised; there’s no reason for the club to part ways with him.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • You’d be forgiven for not knowing, since MotoGP, despite being the most prestigious motorcycle racing series in the world, is still a niche sport.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2025
  • You’ll be forgiven for not spending a lot of time thinking about zip ties.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Sweden and Finland might get overlooked by North American fans, but those hockey powers are always keen to crash the party.
    Rob Rossi, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Lynnoland Brass 6-Light Chandelier Light Fixture Don't overlook lighting this Prime Day.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • What Happens Next Whether or not Trump chooses to pardon Maxwell remains to be seen.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
  • In mid-August, Meredith drove to Miami for a gathering of pardoned J6ers and other MAGA minor celebrities.
    Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Excuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excuse. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

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