Phrase guide

explain away

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To dismiss or minimize (a problem, etc.) by explanation.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • He couldn't just explain away all of his problems.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: weger­klä­ren — to dismiss or minimize by explanation
  • Russian: отделываться (otdelyvatʹsja) — to dismiss or minimize by explanation
  • Russian: оправдываться (opravdyvatʹsja) — to dismiss or minimize by explanation
  • Swedish: bortförklara — to dismiss or minimize by explanation