Excuse — synonyms, definition

1. excuse (Noun)

absolution account affectation alibi allowance amnesty apology argument break chance consideration convenience deception defence escape evasion exculpation exoneration explanation extenuation • • •

excuse (Noun) — A defence of some offensive behaviour or some failure to keep a promise etc.. ex. "he kept finding excuses to stay"

excuse (Noun) — A note explaining an absence. ex. "he had to get his mother to write an excuse for him"

excuse (Noun) — A poor example. ex. "a poor excuse for an automobile"

account billet defence defense example exemplum illustration instance line note representative short letter vindication extenuation mitigation

2. excuse (Verb)

absolve accept acquit allow apologise apologize appease beg off cleanse clear clear up compensate condone disencumber disengage disoblige exculpate exempt exonerate expiate • • •

excuse (Verb) — Accept an excuse for. ex. "Please excuse my dirty hands"

excuse (Verb) — Grant exemption or release to. ex. "Please excuse me from this class"

excuse (Verb) — Serve as a reason, cause or justification of. ex. "Your need to sleep late does not excuse your late arrival at work"

excuse (Verb) — Defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning. ex. "excuse the child's seemingly crazy behaviour"

excuse (Verb) — Ask for permission to be released from an engagement.

excuse (Verb) — Excuse, overlook, or make allowances for; be lenient with. ex. "excuse someone's behaviour"

absolve bespeak call for defend fend for forgive free justify pardon quest request support vindicate alibi color colour extenuate frank gloss mitigate palliate plead