Thesaurus results for ALIBI

Q: How does the noun 'alibi' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of alibi are apologia , apology , excuse , plea , and pretext . While all these words mean "matter offered in explanation or defense," alibi implies a desire to shift blame or evade punishment and imputes mere plausibility to the explanation. // his alibi failed to stand scrutiny

Q: When can 'apologia' be used instead of 'alibi'?

The words apologia and alibi are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, apologia implies not admission of guilt or regret but a desire to make clear the grounds for some course, belief, or position. // his speech was an apologia for his foreign policy

Q: When is 'apology' a more appropriate choice than 'alibi'?

The words apology and alibi can be used in similar contexts, but apology usually applies to an expression of regret for a mistake or wrong with implied admission of guilt or fault and with or without reference to mitigating or extenuating circumstances. // said by way of apology that he would have met them if he could

Q: When is it sensible to use 'excuse' instead of 'alibi'?

While in some cases nearly identical to alibi , excuse implies an intent to avoid or remove blame or censure. // used illness as an excuse for missing the meeting

Q: When would 'plea' be a good substitute for 'alibi'?

While the synonyms plea and alibi are close in meaning, plea stresses argument or appeal for understanding or sympathy or mercy. // her usual plea that she was nearsighted

Q: In what contexts can 'pretext' take the place of 'alibi'?

In some situations, the words pretext and alibi are roughly equivalent. However, pretext suggests subterfuge and the offering of false reasons or motives in excuse or explanation. // used any pretext to get out of work

alibi 1 of 2

noun

ˈa-lə-ˌbī

Definition of alibi next

as in excuse

an explanation that frees one from fault or blame a student who always has a very creative alibi for undone homework or late papers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

alibi

2 of 2

verb

as in to account (for)

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun alibi contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of alibi are apologia, apology, excuse, plea, and pretext. While all these words mean "matter offered in explanation or defense," alibi implies a desire to shift blame or evade punishment and imputes mere plausibility to the explanation.

his alibi failed to stand scrutiny

When can apologia be used instead of alibi?

The words apologia and alibi are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, apologia implies not admission of guilt or regret but a desire to make clear the grounds for some course, belief, or position.

his speech was an apologia for his foreign policy

When is apology a more appropriate choice than alibi?

The words apology and alibi can be used in similar contexts, but apology usually applies to an expression of regret for a mistake or wrong with implied admission of guilt or fault and with or without reference to mitigating or extenuating circumstances.

said by way of apology that he would have met them if he could

When is it sensible to use excuse instead of alibi?

While in some cases nearly identical to alibi, excuse implies an intent to avoid or remove blame or censure.

used illness as an excuse for missing the meeting

When would plea be a good substitute for alibi?

While the synonyms plea and alibi are close in meaning, plea stresses argument or appeal for understanding or sympathy or mercy.

her usual plea that she was nearsighted

In what contexts can pretext take the place of alibi?

In some situations, the words pretext and alibi are roughly equivalent. However, pretext suggests subterfuge and the offering of false reasons or motives in excuse or explanation.

used any pretext to get out of work

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of alibi

Noun

This information could help cross-check Robinson’s alibi or presence at specific times. —

Lars Daniel, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 The two alleged accomplices presented alibis that clemency lawyers for Nelson have argued were not fully contested by Nelson's trial lawyers. —

James Powel, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025

Verb

She was stoned and trying to alibi Reed, but Harry wrote her off as a lying druggie. —

Nick Caruso, TVLine, 3 Jan. 2025 When faced with having to alibi to their spouses, Fiona and Bob, unbeknown to each other, involve a young couple, William and Mary Featherstone (Benjamin Cole and Noelle Marion). —

David Coddon, sandiegouniontribune.com, 15 Apr. 2018 See all Example Sentences for alibi

Recent Examples of Synonyms for alibi

Noun

Use the seasons or holidays as an excuse to swap them out!

— Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Feb. 2025
What if, the thinking goes, the prospect of CTE becomes an excuse for any violent or criminal behavior?

— Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2025