a reason or explanation given to justify a fault or offense, a polite expression used to indicate the reason for not being able to do something

find an excuse, have no excuse, use an excuse

make excuses, excuse me, no excuse

Formal and Informal Expressions of excuse

In different contexts, you can replace 'excuse' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'justification, reason' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'story, bullshit' is a commonplace synonym.

excuse: Explore its Definition & Usage

excuse Definition

1a reason or explanation given to justify a fault or offense
2a polite expression used to indicate the reason for not being able to do something

Using excuse: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "excuse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I can't come to the party tonight, I have to work. That's my excuse.
Example
He made up an excuse for being late.
Example
She had no excuse for her bad behavior.
Example
I hope you'll excuse my mistake.

excuse Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for excuse

Antonyms for excuse

Idioms Using excuse

find an excuse
to try to justify or explain one's actions or behavior
Example
He always tries to find an excuse for why he didn't do his homework.
have no excuse
to have no acceptable reason or justification for something
Example
He had no excuse for missing the deadline.
use an excuse
to give a reason or explanation that is not true in order to justify one's actions or behavior
Example
She used the excuse of being sick to get out of going to the party.

Phrases with excuse

make excuses
to give reasons or explanations to justify one's actions or behavior
Example
He always makes excuses for his mistakes instead of taking responsibility.
excuse me
a polite phrase used to get someone's attention or to apologize for an interruption
Example
Excuse me, could you please repeat what you just said?
no excuse
a situation where there is no acceptable reason or justification for something
Example
There is no excuse for cheating on an exam.

Origins of excuse

from Old French 'excuser', meaning 'to apologize'

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Summary: excuse in Brief

The term 'excuse' [ɪkˈskjuːz] refers to a reason or explanation given to justify a fault or offense, or a polite expression used to indicate the reason for not being able to do something. It can be used in phrases like 'make excuses,' and idioms like 'have no excuse,' denoting a lack of justification. 'Excuse me' is a polite phrase used to get someone's attention or to apologize for an interruption.