Synonyms of extenuating

extenuating

verb

present participle of extenuate

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

• excusing
• justifying
• explaining
• palliating
• whitewashing
• deodorizing
• glossing (over)
• explaining away
• minimizing
• mitigating
• glozing (over)
• atoning
• rationalizing
• confessing
• apologizing
• alleviating
• accounting (for)
• varnishing
• lessening
• sugarcoating
• softening
• exculpating
• tempering
• moderating
• lightening
• exonerating
• easing
• playing down
• vindicating
• absolving
• acquitting
• soft-pedaling
• clearing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of extenuating

Other extenuating circumstances beyond Goodman’s control also might be contributing to his reputation within the industry as a subpar defender. — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 27 July 2026

But, generally, only one property can be claimed, unless there are extenuating circumstances. — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 30 June 2026

However, there were extenuating circumstances in both games, which, when factored alongside San Antonio’s Game 3 win at Madison Square Garden and their dominance for nearly three quarters in Game 4, lend credence to the notion a bounce-back effort could well be in the cards. — Juan Carlos Blanco, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

Travelers who need a passport faster can make an appointment at an in-person passport agency, which is available for those with various extenuating circumstances like having urgent travel plans abroad in the next 14 days. — Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026

His 2021 gun conviction also had extenuating circumstances, his attorney argued. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 14 May 2026

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