Definitions

1. verb

to make or attempt to make an excuse or justification for something, especially a bad or unacceptable action

“Her lawyer tried to extenuate her client’s reckless behavior, but the judge was unconvinced.”

2. verb

to reduce the severity or gravity of something, especially a crime or punishment

“The judge’s decision to extenuate the sentence was seen as a compassionate gesture.”

3. verb

to soften or moderate the harshness of something, especially a situation or an opinion

“The teacher tried to extenuate the student’s punishment, but the student still felt disappointed.”

4. transitive verb

to make something seem less serious or severe, especially by adding reasons or explanations

“The politician tried to extenuate the economic crisis by pointing out factors beyond her control.”

5. noun

a circumstance or factor that makes something seem less serious or severe

“The extenuating circumstances of the accident were taken into consideration by the court.”