1. (noun) a partial excuse to mitigate censure; an attempt to represent an offense as less serious than it appears by showing mitigating circumstances

• mitigation

2. (noun) to act in such a way as to cause an offense to seem less serious

• mitigation
• palliation

1. (noun) a partial excuse to mitigate censure; an attempt to represent an offense as less serious than it appears by showing mitigating circumstances

• alibi
• exculpation
• excuse
• self-justification

2. (noun) to act in such a way as to cause an offense to seem less serious

• decrease
• diminution
• reduction
• step-down

1. (noun) a partial excuse to mitigate censure; an attempt to represent an offense as less serious than it appears by showing mitigating circumstances

• extenuate
• extenuate
• mitigate
• mitigate
• palliate
• palliate
• mitigate

2. (noun) to act in such a way as to cause an offense to seem less serious

• extenuate
• extenuate
• extenuate
• mitigate
• mitigate
• mitigate
• palliate
• palliate
• palliate