1
as in to explain
to give the reason for or cause of
after the surprise attack, military leaders struggled to explain away the nation's unpreparedness
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2
as in to excuse
to make (something) seem less bad by offering excuses
tried to explain away his adulterous affairs by saying that men are promiscuous by nature
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Recent Examples of explain away
This time, even Riley knew there was no sense in trying to explain away how close his Trojans had come.
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Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2024
Two losses to open the 2024-25 campaign could mostly be explained away by a pair of rough goaltending performances.
—Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2024
The final section of Wilder’s play – the three acts are performed without an intermission in this production, with Parson’s Stage Manager having some fun explaining away any confusion – is one of American drama’s most foolproof scenes, and Leon and his cast pull it off nicely.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2024
There, unlike on television, his fragmented attention, peculiar thinking, and dangerous words cannot hide or be explained away.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 24 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for explain away 
Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2024
Two losses to open the 2024-25 campaign could mostly be explained away by a pair of rough goaltending performances.
—Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2024
The final section of Wilder’s play – the three acts are performed without an intermission in this production, with Parson’s Stage Manager having some fun explaining away any confusion – is one of American drama’s most foolproof scenes, and Leon and his cast pull it off nicely.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2024
There, unlike on television, his fragmented attention, peculiar thinking, and dangerous words cannot hide or be explained away.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 24 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for explain away
Recent Examples of Synonyms for explain away
Verb
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Pfaff explained that the bank’s transformation revolved around standardizing processes and ensuring data integrity.Judith Magyar, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
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As blood spills from Grant's head, Kayce explains he's just taken a piece of the man's soul by striking him.EW.com, EW.com, 2 Dec. 2024
Verb
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If things get heated or unproductive, politely excuse yourself.Jane Hanson, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
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Claiming 'Cruel' Treatment In Jail Ahead Of Retrial Sean 'Diddy' Combs Turns 55: His Jail Birthday Menu and Latest Legal Woes Daniel Penny Showed 'Indifference' During Subway Choking, Prosecutor Says Whitaker noted that the juror had asked to be excused once before.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Their grievances justify lawbreaking, havoc, rampage.Matthew Continetti, National Review, 14 Dec. 2024
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Confused and annoyed, he’s taken to Colonel Watson Smith (Anthony Howell) to justify his allegiance.Lincee Ray, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near explain away
Cite this Entry
“Explain away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explain%20away. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.
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