alibi 1 of 2

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

Relevance

alibi

2 of 2

verb

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
The bill rewards theatrical authorship, a human button as an alibi. Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026 But its narrative premise is almost an alibi, for the textual disjecta that accrete around it are seemingly endless, aleatory digressions into everything from film criticism and medical trivia to literary biography and leftist history. Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
Verb
Trying to explain his incontinent sucking-up to the hack lifer Scott Bosworth, Fish tries to alibi for at least some of his incontinent missives. Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 4 Oct. 2025 She was stoned and trying to alibi Reed, but Harry wrote her off as a lying druggie. Nick Caruso, TVLine, 3 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alibi
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alibi
Noun
  • There’s no excuse not to organize your pills for travel when this organizer is on sale for just $8.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
  • The Fourth of July is, for many of us, a welcome excuse for barbecues, beach outings and fireworks — a holiday defined by gathering, but also some pretty ambitious eating and drinking too.
    Anna Lee Iijima, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • His larger diagnosis is that the division machine has made every disagreement existential — and that once a political difference becomes sacred, people will rationalize almost anything to defeat the other side.
    Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • These activists have rationalized Hamas’ terrorist attacks and embraced outright antisemitism.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Creative output alone is no longer sufficient justification for investment.
    Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • What was the breakdown for and against and what justifications did the majority give for its decision?
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Faith, hope drive Venezuelan community's response The day the earthquakes struck was a holiday in Venezuela, which may explain why many families were at home when the disaster occurred, while some children were visiting friends or relatives.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • Maybe that explains her chaotic behavior when the crew goes out later that night.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • But this also is among the reasons her books are considered must-reads in the classroom, and contemporary classics.
    Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers made headlines in 2025 for a number of reasons.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alibi.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alibi. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on alibi

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster