Synonyms for Excuse & Similar Words
Definition of excuse
- noun
- a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.; "he kept finding excuses to stay"; "every day he had a new alibi for not getting a job"; "his transparent self-justification was unacceptable"
- a note explaining an absence; "he had to get his mother to write an excuse for him"
- a poor example; "it was an apology for a meal"; "a poor excuse for an automobile"
10 synonyms found
Writing tips for "excuse"
Choosing the right synonym depends on context, tone, and audience. Words like alibi, apologise, condone can replace "excuse" depending on the shade of meaning you need. In poetry and songwriting, swapping synonyms lets you match a rhyme scheme or meter without changing your meaning. In prose, varying your word choice avoids repetition and keeps readers engaged.
With 10 alternatives available, "excuse" gives you flexibility across registers — from formal to casual, from literary to conversational. Try pairing these synonyms with our rhyme finder to discover words that both mean and sound like what you need.
"Excuse" in song lyrics
See how excuse is used in real songs:
-
"So everybody in the house, no excuse"
The 7A3 — Everybody Get Loose -
"thinking foreign blacks are better, and Hip Hop's your excuse"
Anacron — Yeah (Still Affiliated) -
"His abuse, her child, his excuse"
Arsonists f/ Lori Velez — His Hate, Her Love