1. making a crime or mistake seem less serious by providing a partial excuse
Usage: typically used in legal contexts

Examples

• The judge considered the extenuating circumstances before sentencing.
• His difficult childhood provided extenuating factors for his behavior.
• The lawyer argued there were extenuating circumstances that should reduce the penalty.
• Despite the extenuating evidence, the jury found him guilty.
• The court recognized several extenuating factors in the case.
• Her financial hardship was seen as an extenuating circumstance.