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
  • Lee, meanwhile, functions as exasperated colleague, grieving friend, and increasingly, minder, as his mentor’s memory begins to slip, sometimes returning loudly in moments of unguarded truth—or perhaps deathbed confessions.
    — Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Obviously, now is the time to make a grand love confession and try to get Eleanor on board.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of confession
Noun
  • The screen display above the stage did show the banners periodically, but no verbal acknowledgement.
    — Rashad Alexander November 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The acknowledgment comes weeks after Aaron reunited with his family amid a years-long rift.
    — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Nov. 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
  • Many of us who were on the campaign treat that record as vindication.
    — Kaivan Shroff, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Even for the squeamish, the scene is bound to draw some secondhand feelings of vindication.
    — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of vindication
Noun
  • Momentum started to swing the Hurricanes’ way, as UM forced a three-and-out and scored on the next drive.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The Rebels opened with a run play that gained just 1 yard and proceeded to go three-and-out, then UGA’s Nate Frazier ripped off a 46-yard run on the Bulldogs’ first offensive play to spark an opening touchdown drive.
    — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of out
Noun
  • But the rationale behind mowing in the fall goes beyond the mere cosmetic.
    — David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The rationale is that a lot of analysis and foresight have gone into crafting the comprehensive plan, so there’s a good argument for sticking to it.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of rationale
Noun
  • Instrumentalization, utilitarianism, positivism, rationalism—and rationalization.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The smaller cloud companies in recent weeks have been at the forefront of this rationalization push.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of rationalization
Noun
  • Indeed, Schumer's achievement offers a compelling justification for keeping him.
    — Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Then the process creates bizarre random repercussions, which have their own meaningless justifications.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 12 Nov. 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 15 Nov. 2026.

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