| pretext(verb, defend, explain, spare, relieve) |
| prettify(verb, cover, ease, moderate, diminish) |
| prove a case(verb, expression, idiom, support, maintain) |
| purge(verb, defend, explain, spare, relieve) |
| put in a good word(verb, expression, idiom, support, maintain) |
| put on a Band-Aid(verb, expression, idiom, cover, ease) |
| qualify(verb, cover, ease, moderate, diminish) |
| quick fix(verb, expression, cover, ease, moderate) |
| rebut(verb, support, favor, defend, substantiate) |
| recommend(verb, support, maintain, favor, back) |
| release(verb, defend, spare, relieve, pardon) |
| relieve(verb, cover, ease, moderate, defend) |
| remit(verb, defend, explain, spare, relieve) |
| ride shotgun for(verb, expression, idiom, phrasal verb, support) |
| say in defense(verb, expression, idiom, support, maintain) |
| screen(verb, cover, ease, moderate, diminish) |
| second(verb, support, maintain, favor, back) |
| show cause(verb, expression, favor, substantiate, legitimize) |
| shrive(verb, defend, explain, spare, relieve) |
| shrug off(verb, expression, phrasal verb, defend, explain) |