excuse

Definitions

A reason or explanation put forward to defend or justify a fault or offense.

To forgive or overlook a minor fault or offense.

To allow someone to leave or be exempted from a duty or requirement.

Examples

Please excuse me for being late to the meeting.

He made a poor excuse for why he didn't finish his homework.

There is no excuse for such rude behavior.

Synonyms

pretext justification alibi defense reason apology explanation

Antonyms

accusation blame censure condemnation charge indictment criticism