excuse

/ɛkskjˈuːs/

/ɪkˈskjus/, /ɪkˈskjuz/

Excuse

a reason given to explain one's careless, offensive, or wrong behavior or action

synonyms : alibi

an extremely bad example

synonyms : apology

a note explaining an absence

to excuse

MAIN VERB

serve as a reason or cause or justification of

synonyms : explain

to forgive someone for making a mistake, etc.

synonyms : pardon

grant exemption or release to

synonyms : exempt

defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning

synonyms : apologise

excuse, overlook, or make allowances for; be lenient with

synonyms : condone

ask for permission to be released from an engagement

synonyms : beg off

Examples

1. But she always excused her language afterwards very prettily.

2. Ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it.

3. Give him one excuse and he gets his knickers in a twist.

4. She made the excuse that she was sick and couldn't come to the party.