excuse may refer to specific acts especially in social or conventional situations or the person responsible for these. Often the term implies extenuating circumstances.

EXCUSE definition: to regard or judge with forgiveness or indulgence; pardon or forgive; overlook (a fault, error, etc.). See examples of excuse used in a sentence.

EXCUSE meaning: 1. to forgive someone or something: 2. to allow someone not to do or attend something when they…. Learn more.

to release from an obligation, responsibility, or duty: to be excused from jury duty. an instance or act of excusing: I don't want to hear any more of your excuses. a ground or reason for excusing or being …

People often say Excuse me as a way of politely apologizing for something they are going to do. For example, you can say Excuse me when you are interrupting someone, when you want to get their …

1. a. To make allowance for; overlook or forgive: Please excuse the interruption. b. To grant pardon to; forgive: We quickly excused the latecomer. 2. a. To apologize for (oneself) for an act that could …

Jan 3, 2026 · We often say to make an excuse. (explanation designed to avoid or alleviate guilt or negative judgment): pretext release, clear, justify, forgive, tolerate, overlook, exempt, pardon, …

excuse verb [T] (EXPLAIN) B2 to be given as a reason for someone's bad behaviour, so that it does not seem so bad:

EXCUSE definition: 1. to forgive someone or something: 2. to allow someone not to do or attend something when they…. Learn more.

Nick was just looking for an excuse to call her. (Definition of excuse from the Webster's Essential Mini Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)