excuse
1. [ noun ] a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.
Synonyms: self-justification exculpation alibi
Examples:

"he kept finding excuses to stay" "every day he had a new alibi for not getting a job" "his transparent self-justification was unacceptable"

Related terms: defense extenuation alibi
2. [ verb ] accept an excuse for
Synonyms: pardon
Examples:

"Please excuse my dirty hands"

Related terms: forgive forgiveness
3. [ verb ] serve as a reason or cause or justification of
Synonyms: explain
Examples:

"Your need to sleep late does not excuse your late arrival at work" "Her recent divorce amy explain her reluctance to date again"

Related terms: justify alibi explanation
4. [ verb ] grant exemption or release to
Synonyms: let_off exempt relieve
Examples:

"Please excuse me from this class

Related terms: absolve frank
5. [ verb ] defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
Synonyms: rationalize justify apologise rationalise apologize
Examples:

"rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior" "he rationalized his lack of success"

Related terms: defend plead extenuate color justification apology rationalization apologist apology justification
6. [ noun ] a poor example
Synonyms: apology
Examples:

"it was an apology for a meal" "a poor excuse for an automobile"

Related terms: example
7. [ verb ] ask for permission to be released from an engagement
Synonyms: beg_off
Related terms: request
8. [ noun ] (writing) a note explaining an absence
Examples:

"he had to get his mother to write an excuse for him"

Related terms: note
9. [ verb ] excuse, overlook, or make allowances for; be lenient with
Synonyms: condone
Examples:

"excuse someone's behavior" "She condoned her husband's occasional infidelities"

Related terms: forgive condonation
Similar spelling:   excise
  exec