I. verb
1.
to exact neither punishment nor redress for or from
she was much too ready to excuse her children's faults
Synonyms: condone, forgive, pardon, remit
Related Word: alibi, apologize (for), explain, justify, pretext, rationalize; absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate; extenuate, gloss (over), gloze, overlook, palliate, pass over, shrug off, whitewash, wink (at)
Contrasted words: blame, censure, criticize, reprehend, reprobate; castigate, chasten, chastise, correct, discipline; admonish, chide, rebuke, reprimand
Antonyms: punish
2.
Synonyms: exempt , absolve, discharge, dispense, let off, privilege (from), relieve, spare
II. noun
1.
a justifying explanation of a fault or defect
what's your excuse for being late
Synonyms: alibi, plea, pretext, ||right, compare APOLOGY 1, 2
Related Word: defense; explanation, justification, rationalization; reason
2.
Synonyms: apology 2, regrets
3.
an inferior example of a specified kind
this heap is a sorry excuse for a car
Synonyms: apology
Related Word: makeshift, shift, stopgap, substitute
Idioms: a sorry specimen
Contrasted words: nonpareil, paragon; gem, jewel, treasure