as in excusing
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"
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Recent Examples of extenuating
Such stretches have previously been eliminated by the NBA, with the exception of extenuating circumstances.
—
Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Executive producer and star of the film, Danielle Brooks, stuns with her performance as a mother trying to juggle it all and offers an honest portrayal of what happens when extenuating circumstances prevent closeness and warmth within a household.
—Dominique Fluker, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
While extenuating circumstances may arise, such exceptions should be limited and not become the standard approach to funding.
—Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 26 Jan. 2026
However, Smith confirmed to USA TODAY that, for months, ICE has also released individuals to them on occasion, typically those with extenuating circumstances, such as illness or medical need.
—Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extenuating
Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026
Executive producer and star of the film, Danielle Brooks, stuns with her performance as a mother trying to juggle it all and offers an honest portrayal of what happens when extenuating circumstances prevent closeness and warmth within a household.
—Dominique Fluker, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
While extenuating circumstances may arise, such exceptions should be limited and not become the standard approach to funding.
—Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 26 Jan. 2026
However, Smith confirmed to USA TODAY that, for months, ICE has also released individuals to them on occasion, typically those with extenuating circumstances, such as illness or medical need.
—Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for extenuating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extenuating
Verb
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Americans must hold the president to a higher standard and stop excusing him like a misbehaving child from a broken home.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
7 Feb. 2026
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But there’s no excusing Josh Allen’s four turnovers.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Smith, the leading kratom researcher, has said the emphasis on semisynthetic 7-OH is odd because there is no evidence justifying it, and because the natural kratom alkaloid mitragynine still converts to 7-OH during manufacturing and in the body.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
27 Mar. 2026
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For CFOs, the challenge is justifying AI spending before returns are visible.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Both Miller and Martinez shared a similar sentiment, explaining that business owners need to be ready to network and create a social media strategy.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
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The proposal does not include a summary explaining the purpose of the observance, and no additional details have been published outlining how the dates would be calculated beyond the language in the bill text.—
Sam Stevenson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Extenuating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extenuating. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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