Antonyms for excuse


Grammar : Noun, verb
Spell : verb ik-skyooz; noun ik-skyoos
Phonetic Transcription : verb ɪkˈskyuz; noun ɪkˈskyus


Definition of excuse

Origin :
  • early 13c., "attempt to clear (someone) from blame," from Old French escuser (12c., Modern French excuser) "apologize, make excuses; pardon, exonerate," from Latin excusare "excuse, make an excuse for, release from a charge," from ex- "out, away" (see ex-) + causa "accusation, legal action" (see cause).
  • Meaning "to obtain exemption or release" is from mid-15c.; that of "to accept another's plea of excuse" is from early 14c. Excuse me as a mild apology or statement of polite disagreement is from c.1600.
  • noun reason, explanation
  • verb forgive, absolve; justify
Example sentences :
  • I'm so agitated by recent events, that, that—indeed you must excuse me.
  • Extract from : « Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. 327 » by Various
  • Excuse me, my dear friend, for these grave soliloquies, as I may call them.
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson
  • Excuse me, my dear, I never was thus particular before; no, not to you.
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson
  • He has kindly furnished us with an excuse for being so long together, said she.
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson
  • Excuse me, Mr. Vavasor, but how do you know I am not a professional singer?
  • Extract from : « Weighed and Wanting » by George MacDonald
  • I make no excuse for this immoral act, and ask no one to say I did right.
  • Extract from : « Biography of a Slave » by Charles Thompson
  • But in truth her mother so rarely jested that there was some excuse for her.
  • Extract from : « Weighed and Wanting » by George MacDonald
  • Would his employer be so kind as to excuse him for an hour, if convenient?
  • Extract from : « Ester Ried Yet Speaking » by Isabella Alden
  • She had been reared in a criminal family, which must excuse much.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana
  • She offered no explanation, no excuse, merely stated the fact in all its finality.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana

Synonyms for excuse

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019