extenuate | Definition of extenuate

Synonyms and Antonyms of extenuate

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 of extenuate

deodorize, excuse, explain away, gloss (over), gloze (over), palliate, whitewash

Words Related to extenuate

sugarcoat, varnish

apologize, atone, confess

account (for), explain, justify, rationalize

minimize, play down, soft-pedal

alleviate, ease, lessen, lighten, mitigate, moderate, soften, temper

absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate