excuse crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the "excuse crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you.
Solutions for "excuse crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PLEA: A short answer for an appeal or an often insincere reason. Often used when one 'pleads' for understanding or forgiveness.
5 Letters
ALIBI: A claim or piece of evidence that one was elsewhere when an act, typically a criminal one, is alleged to have taken place. A common form of excuse in a legal context.
6 Letters
REASON: A cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event. The most straightforward and common form of an excuse.
PARDON: The action of forgiving or being forgiven for an error or offense. To 'pardon' someone is to excuse them from a punishment.
EXEMPT: Free from an obligation or liability imposed on others. To 'exempt' someone is to excuse them from a duty.
7 Letters
APOLOGY: An expression of regret for an offense or failure. Often given as an excuse for past behavior.
PRETEXT: A reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason. This type of excuse often implies deception.
FORGIVE: To stop feeling angry or resentful towards (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake. To 'forgive' is to excuse their actions.
JUSTIFY: To show or prove to be right or reasonable. To 'justify' one's actions is to provide an excuse for them.
9 Letters
RATIONALE: The fundamental reason or reasons for something; a logical basis. A more formal or intellectual type of excuse.
VINDICATE: To clear (someone) of blame or suspicion. When an excuse 'vindicates' someone, it proves their innocence or justification.
More About "excuse crossword clue"
The word "excuse" is a versatile term that appears in crosswords with many different meanings, making it a common yet sometimes challenging clue. It can refer to a justification, a reason given for an action, a defense (like an alibi), or even an act of forgiveness or release from duty. Understanding the context of the clue—whether it's a noun or a verb, and what kind of "excuse" it's referring to—is key to finding the correct answer.
Crossword setters often play on these nuances. An "excuse" might be genuine, like a valid 'REASON' for absence, or it could be a 'PRETEXT' designed to deceive. It could be an 'APOLOGY' offered for a mistake, or a 'PARDON' granted by an authority. Always consider the length of the required answer and any intersecting letters you've already filled in, as these are crucial hints.
Familiarity with common synonyms for 'excuse' across various contexts will significantly aid your puzzle-solving. Keep in mind legal terms, polite expressions, and even more abstract concepts of justification when this clue appears.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For "excuse," consider if it's a noun (the reason) or a verb (to forgive/release). This often guides you to the correct part of speech for the answer.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the number of boxes in the grid to the length of potential answers. This is your primary filter.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: If you have letters from crossing words, use them as vital clues. They can quickly rule out incorrect possibilities for "excuse."
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: If an exact synonym for 'excuse' doesn't fit, think about situations where an excuse is given, or words related to excusing behavior.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'excuse' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'excuse' in crosswords include REASON, ALIBI, PLEA, APOLOGY, and PRETEXT, among others. The best fit usually depends on the number of letters and any intersecting letters you already have.
How can I find the correct 'excuse' answer if I only have a few letters?
If you have some letters, try to fit them into the possible answers listed by length. Consider the nuance of the clue: is it an explanation, a justification, a defense, or an act of forgiveness? This can help narrow down options.
Are there different types of 'excuses' encountered in crosswords?
Yes, 'excuse' can refer to a wide range of concepts in crosswords. It might be a justification (REASON), a legal defense (ALIBI), an expression of regret (APOLOGY), or even a fabricated reason (PRETEXT). Pay attention to the surrounding clues and the puzzle's theme.