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

Relevance

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
Sometimes, filmmaking can really be an excuse for nerds to research stuff. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 29 Apr. 2025 Hair masks give you an excuse to linger in the shower just a little longer, turning a quick rinse into a more indulgent self-care (and haircare) ritual. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
Nearly 50 potential jurors have been questioned over the last two days, with slightly more than half remaining in the jury pool and the rest excused for various reasons. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 6 May 2025 While some had solemn reasons for being excused — such as concern whether past trauma could impact listening to disturbing testimony — others’ comments made for courtroom comedy. Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for excuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excuse
Noun
  • Andrade rejected the Department of Homeland Security’s justification for ending TPS.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025
  • Before his election as mayor, House said trustees were concerned that if Freeman was to have been let go without justification, Dolton would be open to a possible whistleblower lawsuit.
    Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Still, gaming’s impact on licensed music can’t be ignored.
    Kaare Eriksen, Variety, 12 May 2025
  • There will be anticipation over the next move following Zelensky and his European partners endorsing an unconditional ceasefire with Russia starting Monday, which Moscow has ignored.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Some were concerned the data was being used to justify efforts to combat climate change, although the rising cost of weather disasters is due to more than just global warming.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • This would effectively challenge pharmaceutical companies to justify their pricing to America, leading to equitable pricing.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • About The Daily Money Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer and financial news from USA TODAY, breaking down complex events, providing the TLDR version, and explaining how everything from Fed rate changes to bankruptcies impacts you.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Trump further explained his stance during an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, which aired on Tuesday night.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • During these inspections, travelers may be questioned or their electronic devices looked through as a way to confirm their identity and reasons for being in the U.S.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • And that’s one of the reasons why with him and Edwards at the helm, the Timberwolves are only a win away from a repeat trip to the Western Conference finals.
    Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Barack Obama faced injunctions against Obamacare and Joe Biden's plan to forgive student loans was blocked.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • Perhaps because he was banished for the last 36 years of his life, Rose could be forgiven in death and honored with a plaque.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • One factor that is often overlooked is that the speech must be deliverable.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • The priest and academic believes Pope Leo XIV will in many ways follow the trajectory of Pope Francis, showing a similar commitment to care for immigrants, refugees and others who are often overlooked or disparaged.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • After all, Trump pardoned almost 1,600 people charged with assailing the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election results.
    Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 10 May 2025
  • Other fake executive orders included pardoning author J.K. Rowling and outlawing ghosts.
    Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 4 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Excuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excuse. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on excuse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!