extenuating circumstance

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See synonyms for: extenuating circumstance / extenuating circumstances on Thesaurus.com

noun Law.

Usually extenuating circumstances . a circumstance that renders conduct less serious and thereby serves to reduce the damages to be awarded or the punishment to be imposed.

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Origin of extenuating circumstance

First recorded in 1830–40

Words nearby extenuating circumstance

extensor pollicis brevis, extensor retinaculum, extent, extenuate, extenuating, extenuating circumstance, extenuating circumstances, extenuation, extenuatory, exterior, exterior angle

Example sentences from the Web for extenuating circumstance

Certainly my instinct is to identify with the police, no matter the circumstance.
A Veteran’s View: NYC Cold War Between Cops and City Hall|Matt Gallagher|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The union does not under any circumstance condone violence of any kind, including against police officers.
The High-Priced Union Rep Charged With Attacking a Cop|Jacob Siegel|December 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
If a product is beautiful, why do you need all that pomp and circumstance?
The Hot Designer Who Hates Fashion: VK Nagrani Triumphs His Own Way|Tom Teodorczuk|December 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Instead, there was a high school band striking up the Elgar march “Pomp and Circumstance.”
The Sexy Dream of the 747|Clive Irving|October 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST

But Paul Newman—who now, finally, is none of these people—is clearly at home with his current circumstance: as no one but himself.
The Stacks: The Eyes of Winter: Paul Newman at 70|Peter Richmond|October 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Which latter circumstance he begged Mr. Perker to note, with a glowing countenance and many marks of indignation.
The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, v. 2(of 2)|Charles Dickens
A similar circumstance has occurred on the seashore at Hoy Lake, Cheshire, where several "fairy pipes" have been found.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce|E. R. Billings.
This circumstance had made her feel a deeper interest in Gilbert, and had quickened her friendship into love.
The World Before Them|Susanna Moodie
Her money-bags had been filled in Manchester, and from time to time in her history you are reminded of this circumstance.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 158, April 28, 1920|Various
If you wish, I will send a copy of the certificate of the duty done by this engine, which states very minutely every circumstance.
Life of Richard Trevithick, Volume II (of 2)|Francis Trevithick

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