excuse

[1]	forgive , pardon , overlook , absolve , clear , exonerate , acquit , exculpate , pass over , disregard , wink at , ignore , be blind to , look the other way , pay no attention/heed (to) , find/prove innocent (of)
[2]	release , let go/off , liberate , free , relieve , exempt , absolve , dismiss , (Colloq) let off the hook
[3]	condone , allow , permit , defend , apologize for , justify , warrant , explain , vindicate , rationalize , mitigate , extenuate , palliate
[4]	pardon
[5]	relieve , let off , exempt
[6]	explain
[7]	apologize , apologise , justify , rationalize , rationalise
[8]	beg off
[9]	condone

[1]	alibi , exculpation , self-justification
[2]	apology
[3]	apology , explanation , story , reason , justification , defence , plea , vindication , condonation , rationalization , extenuation , mitigation , palliation , basis , grounds , foundation , cause
[4]	forgiveness , remission , pardon , indulgence , reprieve , clearing , exculpation , absolution , exoneration , acquittal , disregard , heedlessness , vindication , clearance , acquittance
[5]	evasion , subterfuge , pretence , pretext , makeshift , escape , loophole , way out , (Colloq) alibi , stall , (Slang) cop-out