Synonyms for
Excuses
Definition
Excuses are reasons or explanations that people give to avoid doing something or to explain why they did not do something.
Synonyms & similar words
exempt
pardon
justify
condone
explain
rationalise
apology
apologize
begoff
relieve
apologise
alibi
letoff
exculpation
excuse
selfjustification
rationalize
justification
reasoning
defense
alibi
explanation
apology
plea
cop-out
pretext
cover-up
story
fabrication
fudging
evasion
shift
subterfuge
shuffling
equivocation
dodging
ducking
Synonyms by register
Formal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- make excuses
- excuses for
- no excuses
- excuses me
- excuses accepted
- tired of excuses
- run out of excuses
Word family
Usage note
The word 'excuses' often carries a negative connotation, implying that the reasons given are not genuine or are attempts to avoid responsibility. It is generally used in informal contexts.
Example sentences
- I'm tired of your excuses for not doing your homework.
- She always has an excuse for why she's late.
- Don't make excuses, just do your best.
- He made up an excuse to get out of going to the party.
- She couldn't come up with a good excuse for missing the meeting.
Quotes
Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure. - Jim Rohn
An excuse is worse than a lie, for an excuse is a lie, guarded. - Alexander Pope
An excuse is often worse than a lie, for an excuse is a lie, wrapped up in a reason. - Yiddish Proverb