| make allowances for(verb, expression, idiom, phrasal verb, defend) |
| mitigate(verb, defend, explain, spare, relieve) |
| overlook(verb, defend, spare, relieve, pardon) |
| pass over(verb, expression, defend, spare, relieve) |
| plead ignorance(verb, expression, defend, explain, spare) |
| pretext(verb, defend, explain, spare, relieve) |
| rationalize(verb, defend, explain, spare, relieve) |
| relieve(verb, defend, spare, pardon, forgive) |
| shrug off(verb, expression, phrasal verb, defend, explain) |
| suspend charges(verb, expression, accept, excuse, pardon) |
| take rap for(verb, expression, idiom, phrasal verb, defend) |
| tolerate(verb, accept, release, discharge, defend) |
| wink at(verb, expression, defend, explain, spare) |
| absolution |
| accept(verb, excuse, tolerate, forgive, absolve) |
| accept apology(expression, pardon, intermit, exculpate) |
| allow for(expression, pardon, intermit, exculpate) |
| allowing for(expression, pardon, intermit, exculpate) |
| argue for(expression, excuse, justify) |
| be answerable for(excuse, justify) |