Synonyms of extenuates

extenuates

verb

present tense third-person singular of extenuate

as in justifies

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

• justifies
• excuses
• explains
• palliates
• glosses (over)
• minimizes
• whitewashes
• deodorizes
• confesses
• explains away
• atones
• mitigates
• glozes (over)
• rationalizes
• accounts (for)
• alleviates
• apologizes
• softens
• lessens
• lightens
• sugarcoats
• varnishes
• exculpates
• exonerates
• tempers
• eases
• acquits
• vindicates
• moderates
• absolves
• plays down
• soft-pedals
• clears