extenuate
verb (used with object)
to represent (a fault, offense, etc.) as less serious.
extenuates
-
present tense formof extenuate (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
“Prince is painfully removed from the youth culture in which he’s participating, which only extenuates the project’s problems,” it stated.
From The Guardian ● Jul. 18, 2015
But Marcus Aurelius is neither vulgar nor unctuous; he extenuates nothing, but nothing sets down in malice.
From Meditations by Emperor of Rome Marcus Aurelius
This act of disobedience differs from the others in one particular which, in the opinion of your Committee, rather aggravates than extenuates the offence.
From The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 08 (of 12) by Edmund Burke
He hides nothing, he excuses nothing, he extenuates nothing.
From The Reign of Henry the Eighth, Volume 1 (of 3) by James Anthony Froude
It does not exactly prevent sin; it extenuates instead the painful consequences.
From Fables by Robert Louis Stevenson
