Explain away
Explain away verb - To make (something) seem less bad by offering excuses.
Usage example: tried to explain away his adulterous affairs by saying that men are promiscuous by nature
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Synonyms for Explain away
Lessen and explain away are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Lessen" instead a verb "Explain away".
Lessen
Lessen verb - To make smaller in amount, volume, or extent.
Explain away and lessen are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Explain away" instead a verb "Lessen".
Cite this Source
Lessen and Explain away. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 02, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/explain_away/lessen
Explain away & Lessen. N.p., 2016. Web. 02 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/explain_away/lessen>.
Lessen or Explain away. 2016. Accessed August 02, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/explain_away/lessen.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "explain away" and "lessen" have occurred on timeline