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
  • Audio from a conversation between Davis and investigators — which prosecutors say amounts to a full confession from the former Compton Crips capo — was played for the jury on Thursday.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026
  • This confession highlights the intense rivalry, with Barcelona recently dominating domestic trophies.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of confession
Noun
  • And why did the Commonwealth deny a request by Reddington, the defense attorney, to stipulate that Clancy killed her children, a formal acknowledgment of responsibility that would have focussed the trial proceedings on her criminal intent?
    — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Shifting standards for originality Plagiarism can be defined as the appropriation of someone else’s words or ideas without acknowledgment or compensation.
    — Roger J. Kreuz, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of acknowledgment
Noun
  • In between getting ready for the new year and writing down your atonements, here are upcoming events to keep in mind — everything from a lively Shabbat geared toward young adults to a shopping event featuring local businesses.
    — Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Like an act of poetic atonement, America sent the great-great-great-great-grandson of a slave back, as a diplomat, to the country whence his ancestor had been kidnapped.
    — Anne Haley, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of atonement
Noun
  • 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
  • Strong feelings of certainty, relief, or vindication are often a signal that your identity has done the evaluating, not your critical thinking.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of vindication
Noun
  • The score remained knotted until the eighth inning, when Dodgers left-hander Tanner Scott gave up a leadoff double to Matt Olson — the first extra-base hit of the game — and a two-out RBI single to Ozzie Albies to give the Braves the lead.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The chance that a runner scores from third base with fewer than two outs is as high as 90%.
    — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of out
Noun
  • Nor was there any attempt to explain the rationale for going to war to the American public.
    — Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 23 Aug. 2026
  • That's part of the rationale behind the new Recover Elements – Destroy Undesirables – Create Energy (REDUCE) project.
    — David Szondy August 22, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of rationale
Noun
  • 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
  • This interjection had become a form of rationalization for Kenzo, whatever the situation.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of rationalization
Noun
  • When the Soviet Union collapsed, NATO lost its formal justification.
    — JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Evaniel Johnson says that guard members had no justification to shoot his grandson in the back.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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