as in excused
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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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extenuated
Verb
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Craig did not stay to field questions from the media, respectfully excused for what a spokesperson described as fatigue from a long day.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026 -
This is so prevalent and excused at the top end of—at least part of—the conservative media sphere and the White House.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Judge Mitchell rejected that argument, ruling Duran was not justified in using deadly force.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
7 Feb. 2026
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One size doesn’t fit all – There are times when a different governance structure may be justified.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Catherine O'Hara's cause of death, explained Someone experiencing a PE might not present any symptoms; common signs include shortness of breath, chest discomfort, raised heart rate and unusually low blood pressure.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
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The first time people associated the two was in 2020, when Bad Bunny explained his introduction to drag culture by way of his cousin.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Sleek chrome furniture, a chef-grade kitchen, and whitewashed walls bring light in.—
Elly Leavitt,
Vogue,
28 Jan. 2026
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Its pristine, whitewashed aesthetic often evokes the charm of the Greek Islands.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
23 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Extenuated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extenuated. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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