excuse 1 of 2

as in justification
an explanation that frees one from fault or blame "a really important business call" is no excuse for not paying proper attention to one's driving

Synonyms & Similar Words

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excuse

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun excuse contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of excuse are alibi, apologia, apology, plea, and pretext. While all these words mean "matter offered in explanation or defense," excuse implies an intent to avoid or remove blame or censure.

used illness as an excuse for missing the meeting

When could alibi be used to replace excuse?

The meanings of alibi and excuse largely overlap; however, alibi implies a desire to shift blame or evade punishment and imputes mere plausibility to the explanation.

his alibi failed to stand scrutiny

When might apologia be a better fit than excuse?

While the synonyms apologia and excuse are close in meaning, apologia implies not admission of guilt or regret but a desire to make clear the grounds for some course, belief, or position.

his speech was an apologia for his foreign policy

When can apology be used instead of excuse?

Although the words apology and excuse have much in common, apology usually applies to an expression of regret for a mistake or wrong with implied admission of guilt or fault and with or without reference to mitigating or extenuating circumstances.

said by way of apology that he would have met them if he could

When would plea be a good substitute for excuse?

While in some cases nearly identical to excuse, plea stresses argument or appeal for understanding or sympathy or mercy.

her usual plea that she was nearsighted

Where would pretext be a reasonable alternative to excuse?

The words pretext and excuse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pretext suggests subterfuge and the offering of false reasons or motives in excuse or explanation.

used any pretext to get out of work

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of excuse
Noun
The Dolphins had nonstop drama (some call them excuses) last year. Miami Herald, 10 July 2025 That point may still hold true even if TikTok is no longer using it as an excuse not to build a US version of the app. Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 9 July 2025
Verb
When Katie, now 26, developed a small pea-sized lump on her neck, that wasn't as easy to excuse. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025 None of that, however, excuses the silly and juvenile behavior of the Assembly’s majority Democrats last week when the chamber took up a resolution commemorating Pride month. Mark Barabak, Mercury News, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for excuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for excuse
Noun
  • While not all partners who cheat have dark personality traits, those who do often share certain justifications for their behavior.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • There is no other justification for trading a sturdy, dependable backup center for one who played 16 underwhelming games last season.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 17 July 2025
Verb
  • Donald Trump promised to go after the worst of the worst, but his administration's heavy-handed tactics in many cases ignore people's constitutional rights and the rule of law.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
  • Having said that, beachgoers have already been ignoring signs and fencing to get to the beach, especially on weekends.
    Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • However, the Commission did not indicate any sudden or unexpected event that would justify the urgency.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Lay of the land Advocates for the Golden Dome point to recent events to justify the program.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Police officials will explain how the new police drones can be remotely deployed and piloted toward the scene of an incident from docks placed across the city.
    Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 26 July 2025
  • Malone explained that over time, however, your brain adapts by adding more adenosine receptors, which makes caffeine less effective at the same dose.
    Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • The administration maintains that the naysayers are wrong, and alas, there is indeed reason to suspect the official narrative of financial experts.
    Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
  • Part of the reason for their refusal, the OP claims, is that this wasn't the first time they had been asked for the same favor — and had a different outcome.
    Colson Thayer, People.com, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • May Allah Almighty forgive your shortcomings and grant you the highest ranks of Jannah.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
  • There’s nothing about Joker that forgives or champions Joker’s behavior, and while the whole movie may not be as terrific as its most inspired sequences, Phoenix and director Todd Phillips capably present a new way to think of this monster.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Hussain said her family now lives in a house that’s overlooked by seven neighbors to feel protected.
    Latoya Gayle, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • Set on a hilltop overlooking Ornos Bay (safely away from Mykonos town), the hotel’s 27 luxe accommodations are spread across five acres of a lush hillside.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Trump has the power to pardon Maxwell fully as well as to commute her prison sentence.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 24 July 2025
  • In May, Trump pardoned Sittenfeld, restoring his rights and ability to run for office again.
    Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 16 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Excuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/excuse. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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