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.

He would fain have extenuated his offence, but could find no apology for his conduct: He could produce nothing but broken sentences, and excuses which contradicted each other.

From The Monk; a romance by Lewis, M. G. (Matthew Gregory)

Indeed, it is not strange that public sentiment should not only have extenuated her faults, but should almost have applauded them.

From The Empire of Russia by Abbott, John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot)

I have extenuated nothing, nor set down aught in malice.

From Two Years in Oregon by Nash, Wallis

They have unwisely smoothed away so much and have extenuated so much in their halting and ambiguous phrases, as to create a picture of which the outlines are far too faint.

From William Hickling Prescott by Peck, Harry Thurston

After his apology, Willy would have extenuated his fault.

From The Shadow of a Crime A Cumbrian Romance by Caine, Hall, Sir