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Definition of extenuating

extenuating

/ɪkˈstɛnjuˌeɪtɪŋ/
ex · ten · u · at · ing
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extenuating Lexical Profile

extenuating Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Serving to lessen the seriousness of an offense or fault by providing a partial excuse or justification (almost always used of circumstances or factors).

Example

"The judge reduced the sentence after considering the extenuating circumstances surrounding the case."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

As an adjective, 'extenuating' is almost exclusively used attributively in the collocation 'extenuating circumstances' or 'extenuating factors' in legal and formal contexts.

• Nearby Words

extensively
extensiveness
extent
extenuating
exterior
exterminate
extermination

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the present participle of the verb 'extenuate', from Latin 'extenuatus' (past participle of 'extenuare', meaning 'to thin out, reduce, or weaken'), formed from 'ex-' (out) and 'tenuis' (thin).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Extenuating. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/extenuating
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