as in justifications
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
1
as in ignores
to dismiss as of little importance
more often than not, voters are willing to excuse a candidate's youthful indiscretion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in justifies
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 explains
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 excuses
Anshul Gupta, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
There can be no excuses because the general team performance against mid-table Fulham had plenty in common with those that had gone before it.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
But the 49ers have gone without key players all season and there is no sense in making excuses now.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 4 Jan. 2026
But those excuses are already falling flat.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 2 Jan. 2026
Trump celebrates, excuses, and pardons.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 Jan. 2026
Still, McMillan, who woke up congested, refused to make excuses, even with an uncharacteristic output.
—Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025
Then, his first paycheck was late, and the excuses started.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 29 Dec. 2025
No excuses, but there were two reasons for wearing it.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 14 Nov. 2025
Their cry is not against the faith itself but against distorted theology that excuses cruelty.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
When Glenna excuses herself to go check on Lady Ellen, Julia thanks the woman and then proceeds to sneakily follow her straight up to Ellen’s quarters.
—Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
The excuses have more to do with political expediency and gas lobbying than reality.
—Anshul Gupta, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
There can be no excuses because the general team performance against mid-table Fulham had plenty in common with those that had gone before it.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
But the 49ers have gone without key players all season and there is no sense in making excuses now.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 4 Jan. 2026
But those excuses are already falling flat.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 2 Jan. 2026
Trump celebrates, excuses, and pardons.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 Jan. 2026
Still, McMillan, who woke up congested, refused to make excuses, even with an uncharacteristic output.
—Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025
Then, his first paycheck was late, and the excuses started.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 29 Dec. 2025
No excuses, but there were two reasons for wearing it.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
Researchers emphasized that none of these conditions excuses Hitler’s actions or policies.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 14 Nov. 2025
Their cry is not against the faith itself but against distorted theology that excuses cruelty.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
When Glenna excuses herself to go check on Lady Ellen, Julia thanks the woman and then proceeds to sneakily follow her straight up to Ellen’s quarters.
—Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excuses
Noun
-
To say nothing about the thorny question of its genre—do Eastern European writers need to provide more explanations and justifications when using the technique of autofiction?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Traditionally, one of the key justifications for teamwork has been its psychological benefits—the energy that comes from collaboration, the reduced stress of shared responsibility, the excitement of building on each other’s ideas.—
François Candelon,
Fortune,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In episode six, Max and Holly find the memory that Henry has been hiding from, and while Max kind of ignores it, Holly hangs back and watches how Henry is affected by having killed that man.—
Derek Lawrence,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Jan. 2026
-
That demand ignores long-standing practice, misunderstands the Bears’ legal obligations and risks undermining one of Illinois’ most important economic assets.—
Don DeWitte,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Satisfy gets a lot of flack for its prices, but this running jacket justifies the price tag thanks to its effective modularity and (extremely) lightweight design.—
Will Porter,
Outside,
4 Jan. 2026
-
While there are legitimate concerns throughout the Midwest about future reliability due to new data centers and their substantial power consumption, there is no looming emergency that justifies the administration’s action here.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
But as Lilly explains to Ronnie, telling the truth now won’t do anything to absolve Hank — everyone already thinks Lilly is crazy.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
-
At the train station when Kelley is about to depart, Howie explains his backstory to keep Kelley from leaving.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Why Atlas stood out at CES 2026 CNET pointed to Atlas’ humanlike walking ability and refined industrial design as key reasons for the award.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
-
If the reasons behind an expense feel fuzzy, analyze the details and ask for a clear summary, because precise information turns hesitation into a calm, confident decision.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The bottom line There is no federal program that directly forgives or restructures credit card debt, but that doesn't mean borrowers are stuck.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
8 Dec. 2025
-
Sinnott forgives his parents, and parents today who waver on vaccination.—
Arthur Allen,
Miami Herald,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
May 29 — In one of many conciliatory moves toward the hip-hop community, Trump pardons Young Boy NBA on a guns conviction.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
31 Dec. 2025
-
Tennessee governor pardons country star Jelly Roll After years of struggle and transformation, country musician Jelly Roll was pardoned by Tennessee’s governor for his criminal past in the state.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
19 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Moses Storm, one such former follower who is featured in the docuseries, says that media coverage often overlooks a crucial element.—
Isabella Wandermurem,
Time,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The view from behind the wheel is impressive, where the driver sees finger-thin A-pillars at either side of the broad windshield that overlooks two iconic fenders, a comically short dash, five true analog gauges, and little else.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
2 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Excuses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excuses. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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