excuse (A1)
noun, verb
Pronunciation: /ɪkˈskjuːs/
Definition
A reason or explanation that you give to make something seem less serious or to avoid blame.
Examples
His excuse for being late was that the bus broke down.
She gave a weak excuse for not doing her homework.
I don't accept that excuse; you need to try harder.
How to Use excuse
- excuse for (prepositional phrase)
- A reason given for a mistake or problem. — "What is your excuse for not finishing the report?"
- excuse me (idiom)
- Used to get someone's attention, to apologize for a small offense, or to ask someone to move. — "Excuse me, do you know what time it is?"
- excuse someone from (prepositional phrase)
- To allow someone not to do something they are supposed to do. — "The doctor excused him from gym class."
Synonyms of excuse
Words with a similar meaning to excuse:
Antonyms of excuse
Words with the opposite meaning to excuse:
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