Usually means: Attribute cause to alternative factor.
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We found 10 dictionaries that define the word explain away:

General (8 matching dictionaries)
  1. explain away: Merriam-Webster
  2. explain away: Collins English Dictionary
  3. explain away: Wiktionary
  4. explain away: Dictionary.com
  5. explain away: TheFreeDictionary.com
  6. explain away: Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

Business (1 matching dictionary)
  1. explain away: Legal dictionary

Miscellaneous (1 matching dictionary)
  1. explain away: Idioms

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Definitions from Wiktionary (explain away)

▸ verb:  (transitive) To dismiss or minimize (a problem, etc.) by explanation.

Similar:
oversimplify, excuse, minimalize, salve, extenuate, underexplain, demystify, mitigate, minimalise, minimize, more...

Opposite:
justify, validate, support, confirm, substantiate

Types:
rationalize, minimize, justify, deflect, more...

Phrases:
to explain away, more...

Adjectives:
obviate, mittent, traverse, desert, ranck, abrogate, give up, exempt, outcast, relegate, arrect

▸ Words similar to explain away

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▸ Rhymes of explain away

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Similar:
oversimplify, excuse, minimalize, salve, extenuate, underexplain, demystify, mitigate, minimalise, minimize, more...

Opposite:
justify, validate, support, confirm, substantiate

Types:
rationalize, minimize, justify, deflect, more...

Phrases:
to explain away, more...

Adjectives:
obviate, mittent, traverse, desert, ranck, abrogate, give up, exempt, outcast, relegate, arrect



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