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)

Related 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
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
Verb
And there was the issue of Chandler's alibi — according to Detective Volle, a changing, unconfirmable one. —Ruth Chenetz, CBS News, 31 May 2025 Prosecutors claim those were an attempt to bolster his alibi. —Julie Tremaine, People.com, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for alibi
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alibi
  1. excuse
  2. justification
  3. rationalize
  4. reason
  5. explain
Noun
  • With so many advantages, Power 4 programs have no excuses for losing to a team from the MAC.
    — Austin Meek, New York Times, 29 July 2025
  • There’s no excuse with the fatigue or stuff like that.
    — Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 29 July 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • The justification for these cuts has been cloaked in the language of fiscal responsibility.
    — TrickleUp, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The legal justification is that motorcyclists are less visible, especially in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions, which increases the risk of collisions.
    — Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 28 July 2025
Definition of justification
Verb
  • Therefore, according to Irwin, the more effective way to eliminate high-fructose corn syrup would be to weaken the industry by rationalizing U.S. sugar policy.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 17 July 2025
  • But how to rationalize the black eye to CBS News and its signature news show 60 Minutes?
    — Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 14 July 2025
Definition of rationalize
Noun
  • Law enforcement determined the child is not a runaway, and a custody dispute is not the sole reason for requesting an activation.
    — Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
  • The top reason students opt not to pursue higher education is cost, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board states, though having a degree can drastically increase earnings.
    — Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Definition of reason
Verb
  • Police officials will explain how the new police drones can be remotely deployed and piloted toward the scene of an incident from docks placed across the city.
    — Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 26 July 2025
  • Upright vacuum cleaners typically have bigger motors, which generate more powerful suction, Ho explains.
    — Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 25 July 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 5 Aug. 2025.

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