Synonyms of extenuate

extenuate

verb

as in to excuse

to make (something) seem less bad by offering excuses

don't even try to extenuate their vandalism of the cemetery with the old refrain of "Boys will be boys"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• excuse
• justify
• explain
• palliate
• whitewash
• minimize
• gloss (over)
• explain away
• deodorize
• confess
• mitigate
• atone
• gloze (over)
• alleviate
• rationalize
• apologize
• lessen
• account (for)
• soften
• temper
• lighten
• vindicate
• varnish
• exculpate
• sugarcoat
• exonerate
• absolve
• acquit
• moderate
• ease
• soft-pedal
• play down
• clear

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