| apologize for(verb, expression, phrasal verb, cover, favor) |
| basis(noun, cause, reason, base, call) |
| call(noun, cause, reason, base, element) |
| cause(noun, action, reason, base, call) |
| gloss(description, clarification, vindication, elucidation, dissuasion) |
| grounds(noun, action, cause, reason, claim) |
| loophole(noun, dodge, gap) |
| plead(verb, support, favor, defend, substantiate) |
| rationalise |
| shrive(verb, pardon, forgive, justify, acquit) |
| stall(noun, cause, reason, trick, shift) |
| stay(noun, verb, stop, reduce, dismiss) |
| acquittal(noun, reason, approval, argument, explanation) |
| allege(verb, plead, dissuasion, pleading) |
| alleviate(verb, stop, cover, reduce, release) |
| apologia(noun, cause, return, reason, approval) |
| bear with(verb, expression, phrasal verb, take, clear) |
| cop-out(noun, cause, reason, slip, claim) |
| disencumber(verb, action, remove, free, discharge) |
| disoblige |