Synonyms for

Excuse

Verb / ɪˈkskju:s / / ɪˈkskju:z / Another word for excuse — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a reason or explanation given to justify or defend a fault or offense

Synonyms & similar words

exculpation relieve selfjustification exempt apologize apologise justify letoff alibi rationalise pardon begoff rationalize condone explain apology apology justification defense reason alibi explanation plea mitigation rationalization story account pretext cover-up cop-out pardon forgiveness indulgence absolution remission exoneration

Synonyms by register

Formal

justification explanation defense plea

Informal

reason alibi cop-out apology

Literary

pretext vindication

Antonyms

accusation blame condemnation guilt responsibility culpability

Common collocations

  • make an excuse
  • excuse me
  • excuse for
  • offer an excuse
  • no excuse for
  • begging your excuse
  • excuse the interruption

Word family

noun excuse
verb excuse
adjective excusable
adverb excusably

Usage note

As a noun, 'excuse' often implies a weak or insincere reason. As a verb, 'excuse' can mean to forgive or to allow someone to leave.

Example sentences

  1. I need an excuse to miss the party on Saturday.
  2. She made up an excuse for forgetting her homework.
  3. He apologized and made an excuse for his behavior.
  4. She used a lame excuse to avoid going to the gym.
  5. I can't think of a good excuse for not attending the meeting.

Quotes

  • Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure. - Don Wilder
  • An excuse is worse and more terrible than a lie, for an excuse is a lie guarded. - Pope John Paul II
  • He who excuses himself accuses himself. - Gabriel Meurier

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