1
as in ignored
to dismiss as of little importance
more often than not, voters are willing to excuse a candidate's youthful indiscretion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in justified
to be an acceptable reason for
having a female passenger in labor will generally excuse a little disregard for the speed limit
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in explained
to make (something) seem less bad by offering excuses
he's always excusing his chronic lying by claiming that everybody lies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of excused
And, no, the controversial coach won’t likely be excused from his post anytime soon.
—
Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Before the Black Caucus lobbed this bomb at him, Pritzker would have been excused for thinking that his endorsement of a different Black woman would shield him from such criticism.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
There is some chromatic aberration present around brighter objects like Vega and Jupiter, but at this price point, it can be excused.
—Matt Morris, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2026
You could be excused for thinking that luxury design and a zoo’s worth of animals don’t exactly go together.
—Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 3 Mar. 2026
The measure passed with 11 alderpersons in favor, two opposed and three excused.
—Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 27 Feb. 2026
The legislation, brought at the request of the South Dakota Secretary of State's office, was passed by 59 Republicans and opposed by all five Democrats in the chamber, with five lawmakers excused during the vote.
—Dominik Dausch, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 24 Feb. 2026
One can be excused for wondering why the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently beaten accusations of near-death since its inception in 1979.
—Alexander Langlois, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026
Judges have a duty to uphold statutes designed to protect victims, to respect the lawful role of law enforcement, and to ensure that criminal conduct is addressed through the rule of law — not excused, minimized, or politicized.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Before the Black Caucus lobbed this bomb at him, Pritzker would have been excused for thinking that his endorsement of a different Black woman would shield him from such criticism.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
There is some chromatic aberration present around brighter objects like Vega and Jupiter, but at this price point, it can be excused.
—Matt Morris, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2026
You could be excused for thinking that luxury design and a zoo’s worth of animals don’t exactly go together.
—Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 3 Mar. 2026
The measure passed with 11 alderpersons in favor, two opposed and three excused.
—Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 27 Feb. 2026
The legislation, brought at the request of the South Dakota Secretary of State's office, was passed by 59 Republicans and opposed by all five Democrats in the chamber, with five lawmakers excused during the vote.
—Dominik Dausch, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 24 Feb. 2026
One can be excused for wondering why the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently beaten accusations of near-death since its inception in 1979.
—Alexander Langlois, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026
Judges have a duty to uphold statutes designed to protect victims, to respect the lawful role of law enforcement, and to ensure that criminal conduct is addressed through the rule of law — not excused, minimized, or politicized.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excused
Verb
-
Whether out of arrogance, capriciousness, or collective amnesia, this recent history was ignored.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Many speakers ignored instructions to address the board and instead addressed other speakers in the crowd.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The state argues Burton’s execution is justified.—
Abigail Brooks,
NBC news,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Most fatal encounters involving police in Oklahoma are ultimately ruled justified under state law, a pattern that mirrors national trends.—
Stephen Martin,
Oklahoma Watch,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Results explained in clinical language that require several follow-up questions just to understand.—
Allison Palmer
March 9,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Mar. 2026
-
In a brief conversation Monday morning, Verdugo explained why.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
More immediately, advocates in Pennsylvania are calling for heavier investment in an existing but often overlooked agency.—
Collin Binkley,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Long overlooked, the area is now drawing travelers looking for an alternative to South Africa’s popular safari spots.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Trump pardoned Hoffman in November.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
11 Mar. 2026
-
One pardoned corporate executive even touted his mother’s campaign donations in his application.—
Daniel Weiner,
Time,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Excused.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excused. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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