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

There were extenuating circumstances, ones that suggest he cares deeply about this tournament.

From Golf Digest • Jul. 18, 2019

There were extenuating circumstances: Ohio State was without its star quarterback because of a season-ending injury, and Michigan State was playing on the road against the national title contender Oregon.

From New York Times • Oct. 3, 2014

But in this case it can be shown that there were extenuating circumstances.

From Little Lost Sister by Brooks, Virginia