Synonyms of extenuating

Verb

1. extenuate, palliate, mitigate, apologize, apologise, excuse, justify, rationalize, rationalise

usage: lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of; "The circumstances extenuate the crime"

Adjective

1. extenuating, exculpatory (vs. inculpatory)

usage: partially excusing or justifying; "extenuating circumstances"