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
His alibi, however, is rock solid thanks to Stephanie now living with him and taking care of his son. —Sezin Devi Koehler, EW.com, 1 May 2025 But Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson made clear that is not an alibi. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 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
  • And what is a podcast, after all, if not an excuse to hang out with people who seem cool?
    — Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 28 May 2025
  • Wednesday, May 28, is National Hamburger Day, giving burger chains an excuse to offer their customers some deals.
    — Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 28 May 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • And still others, eyes already on 2028, are quietly offering up preemptive justifications before the blame begins to settle.
    — Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
  • The original justification for dropping HBO from HBO Max was to signal a something-for-everyone content cornucopia.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 14 May 2025
Definition of justification
Verb
  • Given this reality, Israelis’ attribution of collective responsibility for the Oct. 7 attack creates a troubling moral calculus that rationalizes civilian suffering.
    — Carlo Koos, The Conversation, 22 May 2025
  • Rather than condemning such actions, the previous Biden administration report rationalized them.
    — Scott Suckow, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
Definition of rationalize
Noun
  • Early reactions to the live-action remake note the film's inclusion of iconic original moments as a key reason for its success.
    — Sharareh Drury, People.com, 26 May 2025
  • President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth repeatedly point to Trump's election as a reason for the recruiting rebound.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 May 2025
Definition of reason
Verb
  • But in the late 19th century, Finkelstein explained, women who'd worked as nurses during the Civil War, even though not part of the Union or Confederate armies, lobbied for and won the right to be buried at Arlington.
    — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 27 May 2025
  • As a condition of invitation to the festival, breweries must have a brewer in attendance to answer questions and explain their beers.
    — Don Tse, Forbes.com, 26 May 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 4 Jun. 2025.

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