excuse Synonyms

pardon pretext alibi apology release reason rationalize condone rationale exempt forgive relieve grounds warrant explanation explain exculpate exculpation justification apologise apologize mitigation acquit absolve forgiveness sanction reprieve save pardoned pardoning shrive simulation remit remitting remission quittance provocation rationalization let pass pretense pretendingly plea releasing pretence preposition pleading remise reprieval stalking-horse mercifulness