Thesaurus results for EXPLAINS AWAY

explains away

verb

present tense third-person singular of explain away

as in explains

to give the reason for or cause of after the surprise attack, military leaders struggled to explain away the nation's unpreparedness

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as in excuses

to make (something) seem less bad by offering excuses tried to explain away his adulterous affairs by saying that men are promiscuous by nature

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for explains away

Verb

After speaking to multiple sources familiar with the process — all of whom remain anonymous to protect relationships — The Athletic explains the lay of the land.

— James McNicholas, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Kash explains that turmeric contains a specific type of polyphenol called curcumin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties (and is what gives the spice its bright yellow color).

— Marie Bladt, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of explains

Verb

For me, the larger question is not whether artistic behavior excuses transgression, but how to hold artistic achievement and ethical accountability together without allowing one to erase the other.

— Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Instead, some attack our business's fees, as though changing the subject somehow excuses copying another company's intellectual property.

— Brian Taylor, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of excuses

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explains

explains away

explanation

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“Explains away.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/explains%20away. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of explains away

verb

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