extenuate
verb (used with object)
to represent (a fault, offense, etc.) as less serious.
were extenuating
-
past progressiveof extenuate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
There were extenuating circumstances, however, such as the COVID-19 pandemic that forced the Whitecaps to split one season between sequesters in Canada and Portland, Ore., then start the next season quarantined in Utah.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 15, 2025
“There were extenuating circumstances, but that is not an excuse,” Rivera said in an interview with The Post about those incidents.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 27, 2023
Mr. Brown said there were extenuating circumstances in Mr. Ludwig’s case, and “no indication whatsoever that he would have used any weapons against himself or anybody else.”
From New York Times ● Jun. 5, 2022
Players can be disciplined for confrontations with fans but at his Monday press conference Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone said he believed there were extenuating circumstances.
From The Guardian ● Dec. 10, 2018
True, a man in his position should be popular and not eccentric, but then, there were extenuating circumstances.
From Dorrien of Cranston by Bertram Mitford
