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
Sugarcoat and explain away are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Sugarcoat" instead a verb "Explain away".
Sugarcoat
Sugarcoat verb - Cause to appear more pleasant or appealing.
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Synonyms for Sugarcoat
Explain away and sugarcoat are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Explain away" instead a verb "Sugarcoat".
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
- temper and explain away
- temper and sugarcoat
- ease and explain away
- ease and sugarcoat
- soften and explain away
- soften and sugarcoat
- condone and explain away
- condone and sugarcoat
- excuse and explain away
- excuse and sugarcoat
- exculpate and explain away
- exculpate and sugarcoat
- moderate and explain away
- moderate and sugarcoat
Cite this Source
Sugarcoat and Explain away. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 02, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/explain_away/sugarcoat
Explain away & Sugarcoat. N.p., 2016. Web. 02 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/explain_away/sugarcoat>.
Sugarcoat or Explain away. 2016. Accessed August 02, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/explain_away/sugarcoat.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "explain away" and "sugarcoat" have occurred on timeline