extenuation

noun

Definition of extenuationnext
as in confession

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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 extenuation Not surprisingly, fellow-travelers on the left criticized Conquest either from a wish to disbelieve the Soviet horrors or from an ideological sympathy that compelled extenuation of them. — Peter J. Travers, National Review, 29 Mar. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extenuation
  1. confession
  2. acknowledgment
  3. atonement
  4. vindication
  5. out
  6. rationale
  7. rationalization
  8. justification
Noun
  • His three-day sentencing hearing featured emotional victim impact statements, tapes of his confessions to police and insights into his twisted desire for infamy and obsession with school shooters.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • Ward notes that Jen’s online confessions haven’t exclusively supported a potential alienation of affection case.
    — Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026
Definition of confession
Noun
  • Such a move could shift Turner to second base or the outfield, underscoring the Phillies' acknowledgment that his current struggles are a significant team issue.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Or perhaps the show’s lack of bigger answers is simply an acknowledgment that there are none, really, to be found.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
Definition of acknowledgment
Noun
  • For starters, there is one urgent mission the pope must take on the road to atonement.
    — Laura Washington, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
  • But his atonement comes too late.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 1 June 2026
Definition of atonement
Noun
  • If Springfield eventually provides the $150 million, the majority will claim vindication.
    — Angel Gutierrez, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Still, that 104th and final game capped a biggest-ever tournament seen as a vindication for the FIFA president — a consensus success on the field and a financial bonanza for global soccer.
    — Graham Dunbar, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of vindication
Noun
  • But the Cardinals surged with two outs in the fifth, rallying for three runs against Warren to deal the Yankees a 3-1 defeat and a series loss.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • After Jacob Young walked to put runners on first and second with no outs, Abrams drove an 0-1 knuckle curve from Caleb Kilian (3-7) to deep center field.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of out
Noun
  • Jassy explained their rationale methodically, walking us through the lifecycle step by step.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Still, pointing at newly rising roster-compensation costs will serve as the rationale as to why this is happening now.
    — Jason Kirk, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of rationale
Noun
  • This interjection had become a form of rationalization for Kenzo, whatever the situation.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Entity rationalization, transfer pricing and consolidated return positions compound with each transaction.
    — Shawn Cole, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of rationalization
Noun
  • When it’s finally revealed that there are monstrous beings at work, there’s little justification of what their goals are.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
  • An upbeat news report explains that rates of teen pregnancy are down, which is a very 1980s justification.
    — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of justification

Browse Nearby Words

extenuating
extenuation
extenuations
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Cite this Entry

“Extenuation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extenuation. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on extenuation

Nglish: Translation of extenuation for Spanish Speakers

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