alibi 1 of 2

noun

ˈa-lə-ˌbī How to pronounce alibi (audio)
Definition of alibinext
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

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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
Authorities questioned his secret lover, who provided an alibi. —Doc Louallen, ABC News, 7 Feb. 2025 Prosecutors argued his alibi lacks sufficient support or any witnesses who can corroborate his whereabouts. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 20 Mar. 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
  1. excuse
  2. justification
  3. rationalize
  4. reason
  5. explain
Noun
  • Back in San Jose, Santana Row continues to beckon with new dining options and more excuses to pay for parking there.
    — Laura Ness, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to snuggle with a blanket in the middle of a party? 27.
    — Maggie Griswold, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • Is there any justification for Morgan Wallen having 37 tracks on his new album?
    — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 3 Apr. 2025
  • In today’s newsletter, our immigration reporter Jonathan Blitzer investigates these deportations—and the questionable justification behind them.
    — Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of justification
Verb
  • Find another scapegoat to rationalize your assault on the crown jewels of American progress — our colleges and universities that until now have attracted the best and the brightest from our country and all over the world.
    — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Clearly the request — which must have originated in City Hall — uses the fires as a smokescreen to rationalize a bailout for a deficit that is fundamentally the result of years-long fiscal malpractice.
    — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of rationalize
Noun
  • This relationship focus is another reason why some financial institutions may not be tempted by the pools of CRE loans on the market.
    — Sam Sidhu, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • There’s a reason why countless stars are spotted in matching sets.
    — Nicol Natale, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of reason
Verb
  • This is something Jordan has previously pointed out, explaining that teens can simply sign up for platforms with a false birthdate.
    — Anna Halkidis, Parents, 8 Apr. 2025
  • And as one Redditor explained, Quito is a great option.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of explain

Browse Nearby Words

aliases
alibi
alibied
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alibi.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alibi. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

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