excusable
Worthy of leniency
Excusable describes behavior or mistakes that can be forgiven or justified under the circumstances.
An excusable error is one a reasonable person might make; an excusable absence has a valid reason behind it.
The word implies that while something may be wrong or imperfect, it doesn't warrant blame: Her lateness was excusable given the traffic.
Warranting forgiveness
- understandableAble to be grasped
- venialForgivable, minor offense
- overlookableAble to be disregarded
- condonableAble to be pardoned
absolvable · forgivable · minor · trivial · slight · petty · trifling · insignificant
Able to be justified
- warrantedProperly justified or sanctioned
- reasonableShowing sound judgment
- legitimateConforming to accepted standards
- acceptableMeeting minimum standards
permissible · valid · tenable · plausible · arguable · sound · logical · supportable
Partially excusing wrongdoing
- circumstancesConditions affecting an event
- understandableAble to be grasped
- situationalDependent on circumstances
- contextualRelative to surrounding conditions
conditional · qualified · tempered · softened · lessened · diminished · moderated · alleviated
pardonable
Warranting forgiveness
- understandableAble to be grasped
- venialForgivable, minor offense
- overlookableAble to be disregarded
condonable · absolvable · forgivable · minor · trivial · slight · petty · trifling · insignificant · harmless
defensible
Able to be justified
- warrantedProperly justified or sanctioned
- reasonableShowing sound judgment
- legitimateConforming to accepted standards
acceptable · permissible · valid · tenable · plausible · arguable · sound · logical · supportable · explainable
extenuating
Partially excusing wrongdoing
- circumstancesConditions affecting an event
- understandableAble to be grasped
- situationalDependent on circumstances
contextual · conditional · qualified · tempered · softened · lessened · diminished · moderated · alleviated · exceptional
excusableinexcusable
Impossible to justify
unforgivable · unpardonable · indefensible · unjustifiable · heinous