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
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
Verb
Last year, a judge sided with the prosecution by granting the state’s motion to dismiss Adams’ petition for a new trial, ultimately determining Autry failed to prove an alibi for Adams or point to another person's evidence of guilt. Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2025 Though police allegedly verified Robert’s alibi, there are conflicting accounts of his whereabouts on April 19, 1991. Emily Blackwood, People.com, 23 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alibi
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alibi
Noun
  • There is simply no excuse for it.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Wear them on a casual hike or during your morning coffee run—you’ll find endless excuses to break them out of your suitcase this season.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The labels always come first; the justification follows.
    Alexis Coe, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
  • White House officials have cited the violent scenes in and around Chicago as justification for bringing in the National Guard.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This anxiety seems borne out of JPM's decision a little over a year ago to get ahead of the game and rationalize the following year's NII and expense expectations.
    Fred Imbert, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2025
  • This time, rationalizing the medical results was impossible.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • When looking for reasons the Nuggets will win a championship, Braun belongs high on the checklist.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Same reason Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki – who has emerged as the Dodgers’ surprise solution at closer – brought his talents here.
    Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, a founder scaling across Europe must incorporate separate entities in each country, untangle regulatory and employment codes in multiple languages and markets, and explain to engineers in Munich why their stock options are treated differently to their colleagues’ in Madrid.
    Jan Hammer, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The connection appeared to be partly explained by higher levels of a gut bacterium called Eggerthella, a bacterium previously linked to inflammation and found in greater abundance among people with depression.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Alibi.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alibi. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on alibi

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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