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
Lumumba was released after customers at his bar provided an alibi. —Rachel Brodsky, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2025 Authorities questioned his secret lover, who provided an alibi. —Doc Louallen, ABC News, 7 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
  • With its savory pantry sauce, this dish fits into my favorite genre of weeknight cooking: sauce + veg + protein + an excuse to fire up my Zojirushi.
    — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 May 2025
  • Get Together Just Because Birthday parties, holidays, and graduation parties might claim much of your summer calendar, but these days, the trend is to find new excuses to get together.
    — Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • Furthermore, China restricts the import of many U.S.-grown foods through its slow and complex approval process for biotech crops, often citing health and safety concerns as justification.
    — Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Majorities also expressed concern that the president will do too much to reduce the size and role of government (58%), argued he's acted beyond his authority as president without justification (56%) and doubted the Trump administration's commitment to protecting citizens' rights and freedoms (55%).
    — Gary Langer, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of justification
Verb
  • Beneath their air of irreproachable authority, Jung and Freud — both brilliantly played, the first with subtlety, the other with theatrical relish — wrestle with petty grievances and insecurities, while the former stubbornly rationalizes his affair with onetime patient Spielrein.
    — A.A. Dowd, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Aboard Air Force One on Sunday, President Trump rationalized the effect his chaotic tariff talk was having on global stockmarkets.
    — Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of rationalize
Noun
  • April showers bring May flowers—and plenty of reasons to gather around the table.
    — Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 2 May 2025
  • The 54-year-old actor alluded that the reason behind the lower offer was due to his near-fatal 2023 snowplow accident that crushed more than 30 bones in his body.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025
Definition of reason
Verb
  • This is implied by Yelena’s backstory explaining the asterisked title as a reference to her childhood failures and disappointments.
    — Armond White, National Review, 2 May 2025
  • This is where cryopreservation comes in, explains seed- and cryobiologist Manuela Nagel of the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, co-author of an article on cryopreservation in the 2024 Annual Review of Plant Biology.
    — Katarina Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 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 11 May. 2025.

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