Definition of excuse

Scrabble & Words with friends points


  • excuse is a valid Scrabble US word with a point value of 15
  • excuse is a valid Scrabble UK word with a point value of 15
  • excuse is a valid Words with friends word with a point value of 17

Definition of excuse


  • a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc. (noun)

    Examples

    1. he kept finding excuses to stay

    Synonyms

    1. alibi
    2. exculpation
    3. self-justification
  • excuse, overlook, or make allowances for; be lenient with (verb)

    Examples

    1. excuse someone's behavior

    Synonyms

    1. condone
  • ask for permission to be released from an engagement (verb)

    Synonyms

    1. beg off
  • serve as a reason or cause or justification of (verb)

    Examples

    1. Your need to sleep late does not excuse your late arrival at work

    Synonyms

    1. explain
  • accept an excuse for (verb)

    Examples

    1. Please excuse my dirty hands

    Synonyms

    1. pardon
  • grant exemption or release to (verb)

    Examples

    1. Please excuse me from this class

    Synonyms

    1. exempt
    2. let off
    3. relieve
  • defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning (verb)

    Synonyms

    1. apologise
    2. apologize
    3. rationalise
    4. rationalize
  • a poor example (noun)

    Examples

    1. a poor excuse for an automobile

    Synonyms

    1. apology
  • a note explaining an absence (noun)

    Examples

    1. he had to get his mother to write an excuse for him

See definition of excuse in Merriam Webster