as in to excuse
to make (something) seem less bad by offering excuses
don't even try to extenuate their vandalism of the cemetery with the old refrain of "Boys will be boys"
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extenuate
Verb
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LaFleur suggests excusing yourself to go to the bathroom.—
Theresa Tamkins,
SELF,
21 Feb. 2025 -
Adams was excused from appearing at future proceedings.—
April Rubin,
Axios,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Recent Inflation Trends The FOMC had been hoping inflation would trend closer to its 2% annual target to justify further rate cuts.—
Simon Moore,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
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Our expert take The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a standout premium credit card with plenty of luxury perks and statement credits to justify its annual fee.—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Huntsville Police Sergeant Christopher Jackson explained how the law specifically targets those who deliberately modify their vehicles to be louder.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
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Jones explained how an unfair deal between the platform’s co-founders Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, and Cam, led to the iconic New York City battle between The Lox and Dipset.—
Marc Griffin,
VIBE.com,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Radiation can also be used to palliate painful bone metastases, as well as chemotherapy.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
1 Oct. 2024
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Senior-home avatars who are designed to palliate dementia patients in their darkest days.—
Longreads,
Longreads,
12 Apr. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Extenuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extenuate. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
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