Excuse

justify rationalize explain vindicate

absolve discharge condone exempt justify rationalize free acquit forgive extenuate exculpate pardon exonerate mitigate overlook palliate let off release alibi vindicate remit apologize for set-free reprieve clear of shrive dispense grant absolution pass over look-the-other-way apology shrug-off give as an excuse conciliate make excuses for make allowances (for) concoct make apologies for let-go permit to leave apologize defend dispense with grant remission remit a penalty for grant amnesty blot out one's sins expunge the record of purge provide with an alibi plead ignorance whitewash let off the hook let off easy apologise let off scot-free indulge wink at wipe-the-slate-clean relieve take the rap for out spare plea pretext rationalise

pretext plea subterfuge trick

beg-off

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