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
Investigators also looked into Nathan's alibi for that night. —Audrey Karnan, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2025 The prosecution, meanwhile, recently asked the judge to bar the use of an alibi defense and the claim there was another perpetrator without evidence being shared first. —Jamie Gumbrecht, CNN, 26 Feb. 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
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • The rulings against the levies in two federal courts – the U.S. Court of International Trade and the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. -- centered on Trump's unprecedented invocation of the International Economic Emergency Powers Act as a legal justification for tariffs.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 30 May 2025
  • End of story — there is no justification, nothing that makes this right.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2025
Definition of justification
Verb
  • The amount of time and effort Erdogan has spent defending and rationalizing the criminal case against Imamoglu reveals his frustration and anxiety.
    — Henri J. Barkey, Foreign Affairs, 29 May 2025
  • Expect a material slowdown in employment, lower interest rates, and a lot of rationalizing about why the economy is being deliberately slowed to save it.
    — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of rationalize
Noun
  • Or maybe, for a million reasons, your recent expectations of how family life should be are not aligned with reality.
    — Denise Snodell, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2025
  • Martino abruptly resigned due to personal reasons and Miami hired Messi’s long-time friend and former Barcelona and Argentina team-mate Javier Mascherano as head coach.
    — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 7 June 2025
Definition of reason
Verb
  • That pride helps explain why fighting bulls eat so well.
    — Chang W. Lee, New York Times, 7 June 2025
  • The smaller budget is in part explained by the expiration of one-time spending that came as part of 2023’s more than $70 billion budget that raised spending by nearly 40%.
    — Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 7 June 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 10 Jun. 2025.

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