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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
  • Hossain makes a surprising confession when asked whether the animals are real or psychological.
    — Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
  • In her first solo show, artist Neveah Marquez, known as Perry Picasshoe, explores the concept of sanctity through vulnerable self-portraits and a confession booth that reveals guests’ secrets.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of confession
Noun
  • These cues feel less like hand-holding for the audience and more of an acknowledgement of the artistry of whoever’s imagination and vulnerability lights up the screen.
    — Marshall Shaffer, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026
  • There is an acknowledgement internally that signing Johnson in January was a costly mistake which hampered them in this window.
    — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of acknowledgment
Noun
  • The holiday, starting Friday night, marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, leading up to Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement.
    — Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Lazy is a character judgment requiring atonement, while apathy is a syndrome requiring treatment.
    — Michael P.H. Stanley, STAT, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of atonement
Noun
  • The performance seemed like an early vindication for Kiffin, the $13-million-a-year lightning rod.
    — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • However, ultimate vindication, or at least mitigation on the legal side of things, as well as the potential of AI as a multiplier for Meta's business, is keeping us in the stock.
    — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of vindication
Noun
  • The Phillies, with two runners in scoring positions and no outs, suddenly found themselves with two outs and with just Stott on third.
    — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • With two outs, Hernández tripled and the ball skipped past charging center fielder Dane Myers, who chased it to the wall.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of out
Noun
  • One rationale was that Michigan quarterback Dennis Franklin broke his collarbone late in the Ohio State game, but Schembechler didn’t buy it.
    — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • While the Fed’s action was expected, the rationale behind the hike was unusual.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of rationale
Noun
  • So far Versace has gone through a rationalization of its network with the closure of 10 stores.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026
  • On the company’s earnings call, Celsius Chairman and CEO John Fieldly cited a product rationalization program and deliberate pause in innovation as main reasons for the shortfall.
    — Robert Frank, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of rationalization
Noun
  • In a filing this week, Beatty’s team alleged that the center was citing the ceiling damage as justification for closure, but pointed out that a similar problem in 1977 was addressed without shutting down the center.
    — Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Frimpong also referenced cases in which immigration officers offered justifications for an arrest that did not match evidence from the scene.
    — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 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 19 Sep. 2026.

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