excuse

Synonyms: alibi apology cleanup cop-out cover cover story coverup defense disguise evasion expedient extenuation fish story grounds jive justification makeshift mitigation plea pretext rationalization regrets routine semblance shift song song and dance stall stopgap story substitute subterfuge trick vindication whitewash why and wherefore

Synonyms: acquit alibi apologize for appease bear with clear condone cover defend discharge dispense from exculpate exempt exempt from exonerate explain extenuate forgive free give absolution grant amnesty indulge let go let off liberate make allowances for mitigate overlook pardon pass over plead ignorance pretext purge rationalize release relieve remit reprieve shrive shrug off spare take rap for tolerate vindicate whitewash wink at