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
Police still took Lumumba into custody for questioning, holding him for nearly two weeks before someone provided an alibi for him, according to the AP. —Kc Baker, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025 This information could help cross-check Robinson’s alibi or presence at specific times. —Lars Daniel, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
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
  • At least juveniles have an excuse: The human brain isn’t fully developed until age 25.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Canada and China have both questioned the Trump administration’s focus on fentanyl, calling it an excuse to issue his tariffs.
    — William Gavin, Quartz, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • Yet to those who didn’t live through the Dončić experience — the front office executives, coaches and scouts who would love nothing more than to get their hands on a player of his ilk — all these justifications for the trade simply don’t compute.
    — Sam Amick, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • These are war crimes, and no amount of justification in the name of previous atrocities can change that reality.
    — Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of justification
Verb
  • The company made efforts to connect directly with communities and local leaders, creating awareness about the importance of rationalizing electricity consumption and the consequences of theft.
    — Dianne Plummer, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Ricketts rationalized that the money from Bellinger’s contract could be diverted elsewhere.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
Definition of rationalize
Noun
  • Universities are the reason that this country has been able to attract talent, chase breakthroughs, and respond to change.
    — Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
  • No one suspected the underlying reason: cognitive decline due to early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
    — Laura Kwerel, NPR, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of reason
Verb
  • Huntsville Police Sergeant Christopher Jackson explained how the law specifically targets those who deliberately modify their vehicles to be louder.
    — Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Ray explained that the ProAngle Wig stands out in its design made for instant wear, made with high-quality manufacturing and higher density compared to others on the market.
    — Fairchild Studio, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of explain

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

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