Thesaurus

extenuate

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of extenuate

to make (something) seem less bad by offering excuses

donʼt even try to extenuate their vandalism of the cemetery with the old refrain of "Boys will be boys"

Synonyms of extenuate

deodorize, excuse, explain away, gloss (over), gloze (over), palliate, whitewash

Words Related to extenuate

sugarcoat, varnish

apologize, atone, confess

account (for), explain, justify, rationalize

minimize, play down, soft-pedal

alleviate, ease, lessen, lighten, mitigate, moderate, soften, temper

absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

Learn More about extenuate

See words that rhyme with extenuate Dictionary: Definition of extenuate Spanish Central: Translation of extenuate Nglish: Translation of extenuate for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up extenuate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments

WORD OF THE DAY

exculpate

to clear from alleged fault or guilt

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games