to deflect blame from oneself with a dishonest story; to make excuses

to defend oneself; to rebut a charge

to reply (to an accusation); to defend one's dissertation

to counter accusations; to protest; to remonstrate; to retort; to plead; to demur; a plea (of not guilty); a defense (against an allegation); to enter a plea to a charge (in a law court)

to dispute; to debate; to argue; to discuss