Thesaurus results for EXTENUATE

extenuate

verb

ik-ˈsten-yə-ˌwāt

Definition of extenuate

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"

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for extenuate

Verb

And while the challenges of the job don’t excuse the criminal actions, researchers and legal experts said, those experiences can often contribute to their behavioral issues.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
Every so often, Singh would excuse himself to the bathroom and jot down Pattinson’s ideas.

— Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of excuse

Verb

At Wednesday’s hearing, Paul described Niembro as the most culpable of the four defendants and Ramirez as second, while acknowledging that Ramirez’s cooperation justified a significantly shorter sentence.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Rising prices could also lead shoppers to reconsider which rewards still feel small enough to justify.

— Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of justify

Verb

Kelly said she was impressed by Sand’s ability to not only answer complex policy questions off the cuff but also to explain the context of the issue for others in the audience who might not have been as familiar.

— Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
Faulk explained the section from the Old Applehill Road to Douglas Street is considered a limited access highway because the state does not want businesses creating their own access points.

— Lynn Kutter, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of explain

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extents

extenuate

extenuated

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“Extenuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extenuate. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of extenuate

verb

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