Thesaurus results for EXTENUATING

extenuating

verb

present participle of extenuate

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"

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 extenuating If there are extenuating circumstances, a government agency can request an extension and deliver records within 10 business days, and Senate Bill 107 would have increased that time period to 15 working days. —

The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026 During a short court appearance at a branch courthouse in Maywood, prosecutors referenced extenuating circumstances when dropping the misdemeanor cases, according to an attorney for the women, Nick Albukerk. —

Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for extenuating

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extenuating

Verb

After excusing herself briefly from the conversation, Patricia returns to find the other guests whispering to Shelby about Patricia’s history of dishonesty about almost being a Boogeyman victim.

— Jen Chaney, Vulture, 13 May 2026
The Appeals Court affirmed his convictions Tuesday and denied his motion for a new trial, overruling claims that there were issues with the judge not excusing a juror for cause and the defense counsel was ineffective.

— Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 13 May 2026