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)

Related 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
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
Verb
And there was the issue of Chandler's alibi — according to Detective Volle, a changing, unconfirmable one. —Ruth Chenetz, CBS News, 31 May 2025 Prosecutors claim those were an attempt to bolster his alibi. —Julie Tremaine, People.com, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for alibi
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alibi
  1. excuse
  2. justification
  3. rationalize
  4. reason
  5. explain
Noun
  • For the artist, every appearance is an excuse to adorn herself with beautiful pieces.
    — Jessica Scemama, Glamour, 6 July 2025
  • National French Fry Day is observed on July 11, and this is a great excuse to try fries in some unexpected and delicious new ways.
    — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • The legal justification is mainly based on not exposing neighbors to secondhand smoke.
    — Phillip Molnar, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
  • The story posted yesterday about Adam and Tatis joining Manny Machado as All-Stars, includes some justification for Tatis being an All-Star despite his struggles the past two-plus months.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025
Definition of justification
Verb
  • That argument can help rationalize the Islanders’ decision to make this trade in the first place, with Matthew Schaefer incoming.
    — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • Yet, instead of universal outrage, attempts to justify this atrocity have already begun — as if these cold-blooded murders can somehow be rationalized by events in Gaza thousands of miles away.
    — Laurence Milstein, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025
Definition of rationalize
Noun
  • The Trump administration is ending provisions that temporarily protected immigrants who lack permanent legal status from deportations for humanitarian reasons.
    — Paul Davidson, USA Today, 13 July 2025
  • But rose water nails are currently enjoying a revival and flooding our FYPs for a couple of very good reasons.
    — Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 13 July 2025
Definition of reason
Verb
  • The woman explained the extensive interviewing process as well as her concerns with pursuing the opportunity on the community forum Mumsnet.
    — Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 13 July 2025
  • Another royal source explained that layoffs were inevitable for the former royal family members.
    — Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 13 July 2025
Definition of explain

Browse Nearby Words

aliases
alibi
alibied
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Cite this Entry

“Alibi.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alibi. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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