extenuate

verb

ik-ˈsten-yə-ˌwāt How to pronounce extenuate (audio)
Definition of extenuatenext
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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Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extenuate
  1. excuse
  2. justify
  3. explain
  4. palliate
Verb
  • If things get heated or unproductive, politely excuse yourself.
    Jane Hanson, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
  • 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
Definition of excuse
Verb
  • Some of the book’s sweeping claims seem not entirely justified by the evidence.
    Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Confused and annoyed, he’s taken to Colonel Watson Smith (Anthony Howell) to justify his allegiance.
    Lincee Ray, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024
Definition of justify
Verb
  • A lot of that can be explained by the unique aspects of our health care system.
    Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Not only do the stores help educators, Klein explained that the stores eliminate waste.
    Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 15 Dec. 2024
Definition of explain
Verb
  • Radiation can also be used to palliate painful bone metastases, as well as chemotherapy.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 1 Oct. 2024
  • Senior-home avatars who are designed to palliate dementia patients in their darkest days.
    Longreads, Longreads, 12 Apr. 2024
Definition of palliate
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.

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Thesaurus Entries Near extenuate

extents

extenuate

extenuated

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Cite this Entry

“Extenuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extenuate. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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Nglish: Translation of extenuate for Spanish Speakers

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