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
Take that as an excuse to finally hire someone else to clean out your gutters or hang those holiday lights. Rachel Nall, SELF, 17 June 2025 But all the intergenerational drama is really just an excuse for lots of fabulous driving. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 17 June 2025
Verb
The ones who denounce certain forms of extremism but excuse others flourishing in their own ranks. MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025 The board initially allowed parents to opt their children out of reading and instruction that involved the storybooks, but in March 2023, the board said parents would no longer be able to have their kids excused. Melissa Quinn june 9, CBS News, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for excuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excuse
Noun
  • While Israel’s official justification—or casus belli—was to halt Iran’s nuclear advancements, Israel likely had broader strategic objectives in mind.
    Natasha Lindstaedt, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • On these platforms, the protests are less a news event than a justification for the authoritarian use of force.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Despite weeks of calling for a ceasefire in Ukraine, Trump has been ignored by Putin, who continues his aggression.
    Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 17 June 2025
  • The intent is to trick recipients into ignoring usual government advice as Iranian attacks continue.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • In the show’s April 15 premiere, Jax strives to justify his actions in a confessional interview.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 18 June 2025
  • This pattern suggests potential sensitivity to macroeconomic shocks. LLY Valuation Sensitivity: The company’s elevated multiple, while justified by growth prospects, creates vulnerability to any disappointment in execution or market sentiment shifts.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Bochy explained his mentality amid the Rangers’ struggles at the plate.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 2025
  • Lee explains his perspective, as a sportswriter and as a fan, that teams and leagues are taking advantage of supporters.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Every manager, then, wanted a guy on his bench who was there for one reason only: to grab a bat, terrify the closer and obliterate a baseball.
    Jayson Stark, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • In Virginia, Democratic turnout rose even without much of a reason to vote.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Each of their three goals was well-worked in their own way, pulling Pachuca’s shape apart with such ease that you would be forgiven for thinking Alonso’s side were the ones with the player advantage.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • But even the most committed cinephiles should forgive anyone who averts their gaze from Camp and Wilson’s disastrous misfire.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • The family-run property’s 36 rooms and suites are scattered throughout three homes overlooking the water, and, despite its small size, offers amenities worthy of a larger resort, from the lakeside Boat Bar (a favorite at sunset) to a spa complete with an infrared sauna and body wrap cabin.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2025
  • The Lowdown The private estate overlooking the Mediterranean was renovated by local architect Luc Svetchine, whose father, André, first restored the buildings 50 years ago.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Both men were pardoned by President Trump and have vowed to rebuild and revamp their organizations.
    Will Carless, USA Today, 18 June 2025
  • Also last month, Trump pardoned rapper NBA YoungBoy, who was previously sentenced to prison on weapons charges.
    Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Excuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excuse. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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