1
as in explains
to give the reason for or cause of
after the surprise attack, military leaders struggled to explain away the nation's unpreparedness
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2
as in excuses
to make (something) seem less bad by offering excuses
tried to explain away his adulterous affairs by saying that men are promiscuous by nature
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains away
Verb
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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
Verb
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Their cry is not against the faith itself but against distorted theology that excuses cruelty.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
19 Oct. 2025
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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
Verb
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He is set to make $19 million next year, which is far more than his production last year justifies.—
Aaliyan Mohammed,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
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Others think that the environmental and public health cost of fossil fuels justifies pushing for a new path forward — like a heavy investment into battery technology.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
4 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Explains away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explains%20away. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.
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