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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains away
Verb
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The canal connected increasingly specialized regions in the early US, explains historian Roger Ransom.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
26 Oct. 2025 -
The fact that only 24 examples of the Torpedo exist—each with distinctive hull colors, fabrics, and leathers—explains the brand’s heirloom appeal.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
26 Oct. 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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Rethinking Schools’ text justifies much of the Black Panther Party’s mission, despite its members’ open calls for violent revolution against the United States and their many armed, and occasionally deadly, confrontations with law enforcement and rival activists.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
21 Oct. 2025
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The church must name abuse as sin and reject any misuse of Scripture that justifies endurance in violence.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
19 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 2025.
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