alibi 1 of 2

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
In a series of filings, the prosecution also asked the judge to bar the admission of certain defenses, including use of an alibi and claiming there was another perpetrator, without sharing evidence first. Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 1 May 2025 His alibi was supported by his sister, who had been in the United States for just a few weeks, and by Marty, who was 5 at the time. Christopher Maag, New York Times, 15 May 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
Noun
  • It’s been tough to shuffle the pitching rotation, and tough to shuttle guys back and forth from Triple-A to make up for injuries, but the Mets aren’t using injuries as an excuse.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025
  • The incident offered Russia an excuse to send in military forces and grab control of both South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
    Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Trump’s predecessors feared that strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, regardless of their tactical success, could give Tehran the political justification to withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and openly pursue nuclear arms, driving its program further underground and out of sight.
    Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
  • The country's President Vladimir Putin met with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Moscow on June 23 and said there was no justification for the U.S. attack and called aggression against Iran groundless.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • The group again tries to rationalize the morality of killing the baby.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 27 June 2025
  • Walking the Talk as a Role Model Too many leaders assume organizational rules don't apply to them, creating double standards and rationalizing inappropriate behavior.
    Joseph Folkman, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Every manager, then, wanted a guy on his bench who was there for one reason only: to grab a bat, terrify the closer and obliterate a baseball.
    Jayson Stark, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • Similar reasons were cited for the cancelation of her concerts in San Antonio, Houston and Santiago, Chile.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Lee explains his perspective, as a sportswriter and as a fan, that teams and leagues are taking advantage of supporters.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 19 June 2025
  • Most materials that are used to build homes in the U.S. are imported, Perotti explained.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alibi.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alibi. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on alibi

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