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"
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of extenuating
Citing these extenuating circumstances, Ford approached the administration late last year to request temporary tariff relief.
—
Byron Hurd, The Drive, 9 Apr. 2026
Typically only available under extenuating circumstances, the IRS determines your eligibility for OIC based on your assets, expenses, and income.
—Kat Tretina, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026
The last four Wednesday games were necessitated by calendar quirks and unusual extenuating circumstances.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 Mar. 2026
If there are extenuating circumstances, a government agency can request an extension and deliver records within 10 business days, and Senate Bill 107 would have increased that time period to 15 working days.
—The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extenuating
Byron Hurd, The Drive, 9 Apr. 2026
Typically only available under extenuating circumstances, the IRS determines your eligibility for OIC based on your assets, expenses, and income.
—Kat Tretina, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026
The last four Wednesday games were necessitated by calendar quirks and unusual extenuating circumstances.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 Mar. 2026
If there are extenuating circumstances, a government agency can request an extension and deliver records within 10 business days, and Senate Bill 107 would have increased that time period to 15 working days.
—The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extenuating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extenuating
Verb
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The center also alleges that the APA has put up roadblocks to allowing an official Jewish affinity group to form, while excusing inflammatory language about Zionism from an Arab, Muslim, Middle Eastern and North African affinity group.—
Andrew Lapin,
Sun Sentinel,
22 June 2026
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Plus, our governor issued a memo excusing fans from delays caused by celebrating.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
19 June 2026
Verb
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This looser-fitting top sits right at the waistband and is made of a durable nylon and elastane blend that resists wear and tear (justifying the price point).—
Katie Jackson,
Travel + Leisure,
22 June 2026
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Musk’s position that his two top holdings share a common AI vision gives him cover for justifying a deal.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
22 June 2026
Verb
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Elena witnessed the argument and tried explaining to Moshe their concerns about previous squatters in the building.—
Olivia Bensimon,
Curbed,
17 June 2026
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In November, Rashada posted a tutorial video to his Instagram account explaining the claims-buying process, which led to a flood of referrals over next several months.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Extenuating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extenuating. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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