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
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extenuate
Verb
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This is what happens when incitement is normalized and hate is excused under the guise of political expression.—
Lisa Katz,
New York Daily News,
22 June 2025 -
More covert and implicit behaviors are also easier for abusers to deflect, excuse away, and blame their partner for.—
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Verb
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In the show’s April 15 premiere, Jax strives to justify his actions in a confessional interview.—
Kate Aurthur,
Variety,
18 June 2025
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This pattern suggests potential sensitivity to macroeconomic shocks. LLY Valuation Sensitivity: The company’s elevated multiple, while justified by growth prospects, creates vulnerability to any disappointment in execution or market sentiment shifts.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Verb
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Bochy explained his mentality amid the Rangers’ struggles at the plate.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 June 2025
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On Wednesday evening, Bluesky reinstated the account and issued a statement explaining the rationale behind the suspension.—
Peter Suciu,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
Verb
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Radiation can also be used to palliate painful bone metastases, as well as chemotherapy.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
1 Oct. 2024
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Radiation can also be used to palliate painful bone metastases, as well as chemotherapy.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
1 Oct. 2024
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“Extenuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extenuate. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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