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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
  • De Mello’s confession came just days before Lizzie’s trial began on June 5, 1893, raising questions about whether his arrest influenced the jury.
    — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The book stresses the importance of the sacraments and other orthodoxy, such as oral confession to a priest and the transubstantiation of Christ’s body and blood when taking communion.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of confession
Noun
  • The decision establishing the fund is very clear that contributions are voluntary and the act of contributing should not be interpreted as an acknowledgment of liability.
    — Tarun Gopalakrishnan, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Hernández concluded the bit with a special acknowledgement directed at Matthew McConaughey.
    — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of acknowledgment
Noun
  • The person receives the opportunity for atonement; the consequence is assigned elsewhere.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of atonement
Noun
  • Choi, a field engineer who has since returned to the same Georgia plant, said the claim is about vindication.
    — Hanna Park, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The performance seemed like an early vindication for Kiffin, the $13-million-a-year lightning rod.
    — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of vindication
Noun
  • Jordan Lawlar capitalized on the miscue with a two-out triple into the left-center field gap for a 2-1 lead.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Another three-and-out forced a punt to speedy sophomore DaMarion Fowlkes.
    — PJ Green September 20, Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of out
Noun
  • Sort the feedback based on whether it was reinforced by a solid rationale.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The rationale is that, on the basis of screen time and centrality to the plot, no individual is a clear lead over the others.
    — Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of rationale
Noun
  • The words could sound somewhat pathetic, like a drunk man’s sad, self-soothing rationalization.
    — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2026
  • So far Versace has gone through a rationalization of its network with the closure of 10 stores.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of rationalization
Noun
  • Fight over her heart condition The government also directly challenges Flores’ medical justification for release.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
  • British officials continue to reference the British Museum Act 1963, which prohibits deaccessioning items from its collection, as justification for holding onto the ancient artifacts.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of justification

Browse Nearby Words

extenuating
extenuation
extenuations
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extenuation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extenuation. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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