extenuate
verb (used with object)
to represent (a fault, offense, etc.) as less serious.
are extenuating
-
present progressiveof extenuate.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She added, "So, yes, I do think that there are extenuating circumstances that could influence Black legislators to go along with it, and, yes, we do have to talk about that."
From Salon ● Jan. 17, 2023
"You are not happy when you get beaten 4-1 but there are extenuating circumstances," he continued.
From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2022
Sure, there are extenuating circumstances, but much of the blame has to land on Mayfield, who triggers every play.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 2, 2021
“If there are extenuating circumstances” that explain the breaches, “I would welcome the explanation,” Rahn wrote.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 11, 2015
I sympathize with this feeling, yet, as I said before, there are extenuating circumstances.
From Bluebeard; a musical fantasy by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin
