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ex·cuse

excuse

 
 
parts of speech:
verb, noun
features:
Word Combinations (verb, noun), Word Explorer
part of speech: verb
pronunciation: ihks kyuz
inflections: excuses, excusing, excused
definition 1: to forgive or pardon.
Please excuse me for stepping on your foot.
synonyms:
forgive, overlook
similar words:
disregard, ignore, let off
definition 2: to be the reason or cause for; serve as an explanation for.
The fact that my sister is just a baby excuses her pulling the dog's tail.
similar words:
acquit, clear, explain, sanction
definition 3: to let go from duty or obligation.
The government excused him from the army.
synonyms:
exempt, let off, release
similar words:
forgive, free, pardon
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part of speech: noun
pronunciation: ihks kyus
definition 1: a reason offered to explain, or ask for pardon for, a fault.
My excuse for being late is that I missed the bus.
synonyms:
alibi, defense, explanation
similar words:
apology, argument, cause, warrant
definition 2: a reason or explanation used to escape blame.
She is always making up excuses for not doing her homework.
similar words:
alibi, defense
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derivations: excusable (adj.), excusably (adv.), excuser (n.)
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  anger