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
  • The second season of the Netflix hit ended on a cliffhanger with Jackie (Rodriguez) and Cole (LaLonde) finally confessing their feelings for each other, but Cole’s brother — and Jackie’s boyfriend — Alex (Gentry) hears the confession.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
  • For around 20 minutes, the pilot weaved his cheeky confession in clear loops above the Dee estuary, leaving an unmistakable signature in the sky.
    — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Definition of confession
Noun
  • There was no immediate acknowledgment of damage or casualties from the attacks.
    — Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
  • Feelings have to be acknowledged, but acknowledgment is not agreement.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 15 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
  • Recounting the acquittal, Sam suggests Paul’s vindication wasn’t rooted so much in the truth as in the limits of the criminal justice system.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
  • Perhaps this season can serve as a bit of vindication for Marmol, who senses a shift in how his fan base perceives him.
    — Katie Woo, New York Times, 13 July 2026
Definition of vindication
Noun
  • Otto Lopez and Heriberto Hernandez singled off Lambert in the frame, and the right-hander issued a two-out walk to Liam Hicks that loaded the bases.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
  • Eligible reservations can qualify for daily complimentary breakfast for two people, a $100 property credit and late check-in and early check-out (when available).
    — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 22 July 2026
Definition of out
Noun
  • Benchmark selection rationale, red-team findings and bias audit results, including inconclusive ones, must be documented rather than summarized.
    — Akash Pugalia, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Owned by private equity firm Apollo Global Management, Michaels is unhindered by having to sell Wall Street on the rationale for an acquisition or new strategy.
    — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 17 July 2026
Definition of rationale
Noun
  • One rationalization turned into a system of secrecy.
    — Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • None of this makes any sense, except as desperate rationalizations from a man who cannot face facts and admit defeat.
    — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026
Definition of rationalization
Noun
  • Those targeted for elimination are often starved of resources, forced to operate on bare-bones budgets until the neglect feeds the very justification for their closure.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026
  • Margins are tight, investment justification is hard and operators are measured on today's sales, today's inventory and today's competition.
    — Richard Kestenbaum, Forbes.com, 23 July 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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