extenuating

verb

Definition of extenuatingnext
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

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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 But, generally, only one property can be claimed, unless there are extenuating circumstances. — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 The last four Wednesday games were necessitated by calendar quirks and unusual extenuating circumstances. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 Mar. 2026 Travelers who need a passport faster can make an appointment at an in-person passport agency, which is available for those with various extenuating circumstances like having urgent travel plans abroad in the next 14 days. — Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026 Citing these extenuating circumstances, Ford approached the administration late last year to request temporary tariff relief. — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 9 Apr. 2026 His 2021 gun conviction also had extenuating circumstances, his attorney argued. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 14 May 2026 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 Typically only available under extenuating circumstances, the IRS determines your eligibility for OIC based on your assets, expenses, and income. — Kat Tretina, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026 However, there were extenuating circumstances in both games, which, when factored alongside San Antonio’s Game 3 win at Madison Square Garden and their dominance for nearly three quarters in Game 4, lend credence to the notion a bounce-back effort could well be in the cards. — Juan Carlos Blanco, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extenuating
  1. excusing
  2. justifying
  3. explaining
Verb
  • The center also alleges that the APA has put up roadblocks to allowing an official Jewish affinity group to form, while excusing inflammatory language about Zionism from an Arab, Muslim, Middle Eastern and North African affinity group.
    — Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026
  • Plus, our governor issued a memo excusing fans from delays caused by celebrating.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 19 June 2026
Definition of excusing
Verb
  • The article emphasizes that effective communication of difficult decisions requires not only clear explanation but also genuine empathy for how people feel, rather than merely justifying actions.
    — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • And yet at the start of the Mass, a priest read aloud a statement justifying the consecrations as a necessary defense of the faith and criticizing how the Catholic Church today had deviated from tradition.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Definition of justifying
Verb
  • Carpino retired in April, without ever explaining what was not right in the organization or, based on the standings, repairing it.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The traditional experience requires waiting on hold, explaining the situation and hoping an agent can help.
    — Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of explaining

Browse Nearby Words

extenuates
extenuating
extenuation
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Cite this Entry

“Extenuating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extenuating. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on extenuating

Nglish: Translation of extenuating for Spanish Speakers

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