Justification is the act of providing a valid REASON or EXPLANATION for an action or decision. CLARIFICATION is the process of making something clear or easier to understand. RATIONALE is the underlying REASON or justification for a particular action or decision. ABSOLUTION is the formal release from guilt, obligation, or punishment. WHY is a question used to seek an EXPLANATION or justification. EXONERATION is the act of absolving someone from blame or guilt. PRETEXT is a false REASON given to conceal a true purpose. EXTENUATION is the act of reducing the seriousness or magnitude of something. PLEA is an appeal or request for mercy or leniency. APOLOGY is an expression of regret or remorse for a wrong or mistake. ANSWER is a response to a question or request. LOGIC is the process of reasoning or drawing conclusions from facts. PARDON is the act of forgiving or excusing a mistake or offense. DEFENSE is the act of protecting against attack or criticism. APOLOGIA is a formal DEFENSE or justification of one's opinions or actions. ACCOUNT is a record of financial transactions. ARGUMENT is a set of statements used to support a claim. ACQUITTAL is the act of being found not guilty of a crime. VINDICATION is the act of proving that someone is right or justified. DEFENCE is the act of protecting against attack or criticism. EXPLANATION is the act of providing an ACCOUNT or description of something. BASIS is the foundation or underlying CAUSE of something. GROUNDS is the BASIS or justification for an action or belief. CAUSE is the underlying REASON for an event or action. REASON is the BASIS or motive for an action, decision, or belief. WARRANTY is a guarantee or assurance of the quality or performance of something. Goodreason is a valid or sufficient REASON for doing something.