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Definition of "extenuation" [ex•ten•u•a•tion]

  • The act of extenuating or the condition of being extenuated; partial justification. (noun)
  • A partial excuse. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "extenuation" in a sentence
  • "I must say, in extenuation, that of optimists I am the most optimistic."
  • "I can only say in extenuation, I owe to Dr. Riddell, whom I am very happy to see here today, my deep interest in the early days in international affairs."
  • "Whether or not it introduced evidence on the issue of guilt or innocence, the defense may, after findings of guilty are announced and before the court closes to vote on the sentence, introduce matter in extenuation or mitigation."