as in excused
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 extenuated
Verb
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The lady seated between him and me began feeling sick and excused herself, and the table closed up.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
18 Sep. 2025 -
The district has also introduced an opt-out request form for parents who want their children excused from instructional content that may conflict with specific religious beliefs, customs or practices.—
Hanna Kang,
Oc Register,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Though when that context is Newcastle’s longer-term top-flight form, then a general feeling of unease is becoming justified.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
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Therefore, higher equity valuations may be justified for what remains the world’s most productive and innovative economy.—
Yun Li,
CNBC,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Brooks explained the white and brown pup was rescued from a cruelty case in South Carolina.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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The effects of the RBI's outsized rate cut of 50 basis points in June have yet to filter through the economy, explained Malhotra, adding that the decision to hold rates steady was unanimous.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The mural was whitewashed over in August 2019, covering the artwork.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
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Inside a former patio-furniture store, a cedar-shingled building with oak floors and whitewashed interiors, was a pop-up craft activity to keep kids busy, while oysters and Champagne sat on ice for later in the day.—
Stephanie Krikorian,
Curbed,
11 Aug. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Extenuated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extenuated. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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