| excuse(noun, verb, cause, favor, reason) |
| explanation(noun, action, reason, trick, claim) |
| plea(noun, cause, reason, trick, claim) |
| pretext(noun, verb, cause, reason, trick) |
| defence(noun, pretext) |
| evasion(noun, reason, explanation, excuse, dodge) |
| justification(noun, action, reason, trick, claim) |
| exculpation(noun, argument, justification, plea, vindication) |
| affirmation(noun, reason, explanation, excuse, evidence) |
| cover(noun, verb, cause, reason, trick) |
| pretense(noun, cause, con, excuse, pretext) |
| explain(verb, defend, spare, relieve, substantiate) |
| reason(noun, trick, explanation, excuse, evidence) |
| semblance(cause, reason, trick, con, excuse) |
| subterfuge(noun, cause, reason, trick, explanation) |
| statement(noun, reason, claim, explanation, excuse) |
| stratagem(noun, cause, con, excuse, ruse) |
| vindication(noun, action, reason, trick, claim) |
| apology(noun, action, reason, trick, claim) |
| makeshift(reason, trick, explanation, excuse, dodge) |