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
  • Ignorance Ignorance is never an excuse for poor governance.
    — Committee of 200, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • These past comments from Trump have often appeared to be in jest, or just an excuse to excite his loyal fan base during public speaking.
    — Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • What are the present political implications of trying to empathize with Germans under the Nazi regime, to better understand their own justifications for their crimes?
    — Joseph Bernstein, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • This administration might use a domestic crisis as even more justification to bypass legislative and judicial oversight.
    — Jane Harman, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of justification
Verb
  • Insisting that only the violence of the right is worth highlighting while rationalizing and downplaying that of the left will lead to more of it.
    — Noah Rothman, National Review, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The president rationalized his decision, in part, by pointing to trade deficits.
    — Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 8 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 effect could explain why telescopes detect more galaxies rotating opposite to Earth’s motion than expected.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2025
  • If your golf cart has four wheels, weighs less than 3,000 pounds and can exceed speeds of 20 mph, it’s considered a low-speed vehicle under California law, Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers explained.
    — Fernanda Galan, Sacramento Bee, 16 Mar. 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 21 Apr. 2025.

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