to represent (a fault, offense, etc.) as less serious

to extenuate a crime.

to serve to make (a fault, offense, etc.) seem less serious.

to underestimate, underrate, or make light of

Do not extenuate the difficulties we are in.

Archaic .

to make thin, lean, or emaciated.

to reduce the consistency or density of.

verb

decrease , diminish , downplay , excuse , justify , make allowances , minimize , moderate , palliate , qualify , reduce , soften , explain away , gloss over , gloze , sleek over , whitewash , slim , alleviate