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
Only this time, Oddi didn’t focus on a specific destination but nodded to Earhart’s travels around the world by embarking on an imaginative trip across different locations and cultures — an excuse also to explore a variety of knitting techniques and textile blends in the collection. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 3 July 2025 More than just an excuse for margaritas, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Verb
The prosecution wrote that the defense argued that if the court removed Juror No. 6, who was dismissed from the case, this second juror should also be excused. Lauryn Overhultz , Maria Paronich, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025 One could be excused for wondering why Meta’s actual competitors — such as TikTok, YouTube and X — have been conveniently left out of the market definition. Mackenzie France, Boston Herald, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for excuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excuse
Noun
  • The story posted yesterday about Adam and Tatis joining Manny Machado as All-Stars, includes some justification for Tatis being an All-Star despite his struggles the past two-plus months.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025
  • The legal justification is mainly based on not exposing neighbors to secondhand smoke.
    Phillip Molnar, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Too many times last year the line would just ignore somebody running right at them.
    Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • The conversation has put a spotlight on a dynamic that’s hard to ignore: how global leaders, especially from Western nations, talk about and to Africa.
    Oumou Fofana, Essence, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • What event could possibly justify closing a major highway for days on end?
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • If the Tripadvisor business was the company’s only segment, this valuation could be justified.
    Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • The woman explained the extensive interviewing process as well as her concerns with pursuing the opportunity on the community forum Mumsnet.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 13 July 2025
  • Another royal source explained that layoffs were inevitable for the former royal family members.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • There’s a reason Mexico is one of the most coveted destinations to visit in Latin America—and why the best hotels in Mexico City are an excellent place to start immersing yourself in the culture.
    Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 13 July 2025
  • But there’s an obvious reason the hotel keeps the interiors somewhat understated.
    Hannah Freedman, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Quynh eventually learns to forgive Andy and move past their issues because of her newfound mortality.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 3 July 2025
  • And the nation could be forgiven for wanting to take a collective shower.
    Marco della Cava, USA Today, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • The rooftop bar and restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy light bites and cocktails during warmer months overlooking views of the city.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • From simply meeting expectations to overlooking key relationships, minor missteps can quietly stall your career growth.
    Alyshia Hull, USA Today, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Mayor Eric Adams, a centrist Democrat, is running as an independent, after Trump pardoned him for federal bribery charges.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 9 July 2025
  • His father — real-estate developer, slumlord, and pardoned felon Charles Kushner — was recently confirmed as ambassador to France.
    Brendan O'Connor, Curbed, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Excuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excuse. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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