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
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
During a short court appearance at a branch courthouse in Maywood, prosecutors referenced extenuating circumstances when dropping the misdemeanor cases, according to an attorney for the women, Nick Albukerk.
—Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for extenuating
The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
During a short court appearance at a branch courthouse in Maywood, prosecutors referenced extenuating circumstances when dropping the misdemeanor cases, according to an attorney for the women, Nick Albukerk.
—Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for extenuating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extenuating
Verb
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Rather than prompting examination of the systems in which those outcomes occur, a common counterargument is that attention to diversity risks lowering standards or excusing poor performance.—
Vanessa Grubbs,
STAT,
1 June 2026
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After excusing herself briefly from the conversation, Patricia returns to find the other guests whispering to Shelby about Patricia’s history of dishonesty about almost being a Boogeyman victim.—
Jen Chaney,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
Verb
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The business momentum is clear here, justifying the stock’s strong performance over the past four to five weeks.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
2 June 2026
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Perhaps the Thunder would see the upside of a SGA-Giannis-J-Dub core as justifying the risk of cutting down their depth to that extent.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
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Sokoloff continued the offensive, explaining that the controller is legally mandated to annually audit affordable housing programs but has failed to do so.—
Rafael Perez,
Daily News,
28 May 2026
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While some hospitals obtain informed consent before conducting drug or alcohol testing during pregnancy or after delivery, others perform these tests without patient consent or clearly explaining the purpose and potential consequences.—
Dr. Mattie Renn,
New York Daily News,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Extenuating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extenuating. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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