extenuation

Definitions of extenuation

1

n a partial excuse to mitigate censure; an attempt to represent an offense as less serious than it appears by showing mitigating circumstances

Synonyms:: mitigation

Type of:: alibi, exculpation, excuse, self-justification
a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.

n to act in such a way as to cause an offense to seem less serious

Synonyms:: mitigation, palliation

Type of:: decrease, diminution, reduction, step-down
the act of decreasing or reducing something