Synonyms of excuse

22 similar words · 2 opposite words

Another word for excuse is plead. Other synonyms of excuse are forgive, let off the hook, let pass, pardon and unguilt. The opposite of excuse is blame.

Synonyms and similar words for excuse

verbTo allow to leave, or release from any obligation.

forgive
let off the hook
let pass
pardon
unguiltTo remove the sin or guilt from; pardon; excuse.

verbTo provide an excuse for; to justify.

pleadTo offer by way of excuse.
adduce

nounAn explanation designed to avoid or alleviate guilt or negative judgment; a plea offered in...

cop-outAn excuse made in order to avoid performing a task or duty; a reason offered when someone cops out.
pretext release
clear
justify
tolerate
overlookA vista or point that gives a view down toward something else.
exempt
discharge
pretextA false, contrived, or assumed purpose or reason; a pretense.
bear withTo be patient with.
acquit
exonerate
absolveTo set free, release or discharge (from obligations, debts, responsibility etc.).
pretense
vindicate

Opposite of excuse

verbAntonym(s) of “to release from guilt, shame, or punishment”.

blame
punish

Meaning of excuse

verb To forgive; to pardon; to overlook.
verb To allow to leave, or release from any obligation.
verb To provide an excuse for; to justify.

Full definition of excuse

excuse in other languages

Questions about synonyms of excuse

What is another word for excuse?: Excuse has 22 synonyms on Word.ws, such as plead, forgive, let off the hook, let pass, pardon, unguilt, adduce and cop-out.
What is the opposite of excuse?: The opposite of excuse is blame.
What does excuse mean?: Excuse means to forgive; to pardon; to overlook.

Adapted from Wiktionary: excuse (page history and authors) and the entries of the words listed. Text available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Word.ws grouped the synonyms and antonyms by meaning and added links. Wiktionary data of 2026-09-02.

Last updated: 2026-09-02

Cite this page: “Synonyms of excuse.” Word.ws, https://word.ws/synonyms/excuse. Based on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.