English dictionary

extenuation

/I/k,st/E/n/j//u/'/eI//S//@/n/

Definitions, examples, synonyms and antonyms from WordNet 3.0.

noun

a partial excuse to mitigate censure; an attempt to represent an offense as less serious than it appears by showing mitigating circumstances

noun.communication

Synonyms mitigation

Source: WordNet 3.0
to act in such a way as to cause an offense to seem less serious

noun.act

Synonyms mitigation palliation

Source: WordNet 3.0
The act of axtenuating or the state of being extenuated; the act of making thin, slender, or lean, or of palliating; diminishing, or lessening; palliation, as of a crime; mitigation, as of punishment.

noun

Source: webster1913