Partially excusing

Extenuating
(adj)

The extenuating circumstance of Calviin's

illness caused the teacher to excuse his
lateness.
Synonyms: mitigating, qualifying
To praise highly
Extol (verb)

The statesman extolled the ambassador who

single-handedly negotiated the peace treaty.
Synonyms: glorify, exalt
false or superficial appearance

Facade (noun)

Emily's smile is just a facade masking her

broken heart.
Synonyms: mask, deceit
State of being faithful

Fidelity (noun)

Unlike her fickle friend Benji, May Belle

was known for her fidelity.
Synonyms: loyalty, devotion
Having definite limits

Finite (adj)

The exasperated mother had finite patience

for her toddler's tantrums.
Synonyms: limited, circumscribed
Noticeably offensive

Flagrant (adj)

The executive was fired for his flagrant

abuse of the company expense account.
Synonyms: glaring, outrageous
To display showily

Flaunt (verb)

Flaw (noun)

Sheila, who could not resist bragging,

flaunted the "A" marked on her test paper.
Synonyms: parade, brandish
An imperfection
The otherwise perfect diamond had a tiny

flaw that reduced its value.

Synonyms: defect, blemish
To make bold, sweeping gestures
Flourish (verb)

The fairy godmother flourished her wand

and turned the pumpkin into a carriage.
Synonyms: brandish, wave
One that enhances or underscores by
contrast

Foil (noun)

The sweet cookie was a perfect foil to the

sour lemon sorbet.
Synonyms: complement