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
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of extenuating
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
There are extenuating circumstances.
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extenuating
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
There are extenuating circumstances.
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extenuating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extenuating
Verb
-
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
-
But there’s no excusing Josh Allen’s four turnovers.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
Have every county and city elected official hard at work explaining to their constituents what is at stake —- and urging them to contact legislators in a mass public message of condemnation.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Wednesday Stadium Court matches moved Miami Open officials sent out an advisory Tuesday night explaining why there will be no matches on Stadium Court on Wednesday.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Extenuating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extenuating. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
