as in excusing
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 extenuating
Such stretches have previously been eliminated by the NBA, with the exception of extenuating circumstances.
—
Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Executive producer and star of the film, Danielle Brooks, stuns with her performance as a mother trying to juggle it all and offers an honest portrayal of what happens when extenuating circumstances prevent closeness and warmth within a household.
—Dominique Fluker, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
While extenuating circumstances may arise, such exceptions should be limited and not become the standard approach to funding.
—Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 26 Jan. 2026
However, Smith confirmed to USA TODAY that, for months, ICE has also released individuals to them on occasion, typically those with extenuating circumstances, such as illness or medical need.
—Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extenuating
Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Executive producer and star of the film, Danielle Brooks, stuns with her performance as a mother trying to juggle it all and offers an honest portrayal of what happens when extenuating circumstances prevent closeness and warmth within a household.
—Dominique Fluker, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
While extenuating circumstances may arise, such exceptions should be limited and not become the standard approach to funding.
—Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 26 Jan. 2026
However, Smith confirmed to USA TODAY that, for months, ICE has also released individuals to them on occasion, typically those with extenuating circumstances, such as illness or medical need.
—Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extenuating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extenuating
Verb
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Americans must hold the president to a higher standard and stop excusing him like a misbehaving child from a broken home.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
7 Feb. 2026
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But there’s no excusing Josh Allen’s four turnovers.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Sheeran inserted language into the Medicaid settlement justifying the $10 million diversion on the grounds that the Hope Florida program would be expanding into Medicaid.—
Alexandra Glorioso,
Miami Herald,
17 Mar. 2026
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In justifying the bilateral talks, the Cuban president cited the country’s energy collapse, noting that some areas have gone more than 30 hours without power.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Board member David Young suggested the county could devise some kind of explanation or message on the county’s website explaining the reason for the changes, and Gumz asked Lasky to come up with language for a potential disclaimer for the website to be considered by the committee.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Mar. 2026
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When asked about the defective cameras in the jail and the lack of a clear timeline explaining how Epstein was able to take his own life, Blanche acknowledged mistakes.—
Erik Ortiz,
NBC news,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Extenuating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extenuating. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
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