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
But Kappen’s wife gave an alibi for him at the time, the BBC reported, drawing investigators off his trail. Sean Neumann, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025 Based on Knox’s statements, Lumumba was brought in for questioning, despite having an ironclad alibi. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 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
  • Construct decision boundaries that eliminate excuses.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • Hansi Flick has told his Barcelona players that partying after their La Liga title celebrations is no excuse for letting their performances drop.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Andrade rejected the Department of Homeland Security’s justification for ending TPS.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025
  • Before his election as mayor, House said trustees were concerned that if Freeman was to have been let go without justification, Dolton would be open to a possible whistleblower lawsuit.
    Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • And with that creative thinking comes questioning everything and rationalizing why things are done the way they are done.
    Maria Ross, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Trying to rationalize something with a teenager is different than trying to rationalize something with one of his cohorts.
    Ashley Boucher, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • During these inspections, travelers may be questioned or their electronic devices looked through as a way to confirm their identity and reasons for being in the U.S.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • And that’s one of the reasons why with him and Edwards at the helm, the Timberwolves are only a win away from a repeat trip to the Western Conference finals.
    Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Chicago Tribune Please explain what PFAS are to me PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals that have been around for decades and have now spread into the nation’s air, water and soil.
    Michael Phillis, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • About The Daily Money Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer and financial news from USA TODAY, breaking down complex events, providing the TLDR version, and explaining how everything from Fed rate changes to bankruptcies impacts you.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alibi.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alibi. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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