1
as in to explain
to give the reason for or cause of
after the surprise attack, military leaders struggled to explain away the nation's unpreparedness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to excuse
to make (something) seem less bad by offering excuses
tried to explain away his adulterous affairs by saying that men are promiscuous by nature
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 explain away
Such a reaction, brought about so quickly, would be easier to explain away if Avi’s life was definitively a tragedy.
—
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 22 Aug. 2025
To the transcendental artist these conventional interpretations of reality are emotional and rational constructs devised by man to dilute or explain away the transcendental.
—Roy Scranton
august 20, Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2025
Trying to explain away a difficult play or a bad performance for some time while the storm is upon us is not an easy task to navigate or deal with and remain cool, calm and collected.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
This social belief explained away female self-expression as irrational and undesirable.
—Katie Collom, People.com, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explain away
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 22 Aug. 2025
To the transcendental artist these conventional interpretations of reality are emotional and rational constructs devised by man to dilute or explain away the transcendental.
—Roy Scranton
august 20, Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2025
Trying to explain away a difficult play or a bad performance for some time while the storm is upon us is not an easy task to navigate or deal with and remain cool, calm and collected.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
This social belief explained away female self-expression as irrational and undesirable.
—Katie Collom, People.com, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for explain away
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explain away
Verb
-
In March 2025, Chelsea gave PEOPLE an exclusive update on Max's health journey, explaining that their son has had to relearn basic functions and attend physical therapy.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
-
The canal connected increasingly specialized regions in the early US, explains historian Roger Ransom.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
While some on social media commended Curtis for having empathy toward someone with vastly different political views, others criticized her for appearing to excuse Kirk's controversial messaging, particularly his rejection of transgender people.—
Benjamin VanHoose,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
-
The fumble, of course, cannot be excused, but Henderson's development is essential to the Patriots fulfilling the best version of their offense.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Critics also question whether demand will continue to grow at a fast enough pace to justify the investment.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Some investors are also skeptical whether future profit growth will continue to justify the enormous amounts of spending taking place.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Explain away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explain%20away. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share