Definition of "excuse" []

To explain (a fault or an offense) in the hope of being forgiven or understood: He arrived late and excused his tardiness in a flimsy manner. (verb-transitive)
To apologize for (oneself) for an act that could cause offense: She excused herself for being late. (verb-transitive)
To grant pardon to; forgive: We quickly excused the latecomer. (verb-transitive)
To make allowance for; overlook: Readers must excuse the author's youth and inexperience. See Synonyms at forgive. (verb-transitive)
To serve as justification for: Brilliance does not excuse bad manners. (verb-transitive)

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 "excuse" in a sentence

"Bozo, I ask republicans all the time why Bush and the republicans never over turned roe v. wade and their excuse is always “well it should be a State by State decision”"
"“I find it insulting and his excuse is awfully lame,” she said."
"What sort of excuse is that for discrimination on grounds of martial status?"

Words like "excuse"

absolution absolve acquit acquittal apology bespeak billet

call for example exculpate excused excuses excusing forgive

illustration instance justification line note pardon quest

release representative request short letter vindicate