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
Kasie matches a partial print to Carson Marcone, a local HVAC guy who had an airtight alibi for the original bank heist and was active in the fugitive robbery enthusiast online community. Sara Netzley, EW.com, 4 Mar. 2025 The unit found that Cure had strong alibis and that the case against him lacked physical evidence or solid witnesses, CBS Miami reported. CBS News, 25 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
Noun
  • Luckily, Rag & Bone’s hidden sale on Gilt, a low-key site with discounts on designer finds, is a great excuse to start a spring closet cleanout.
    Melony Forcier, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Now, with all this money invested in his side of the ball — with more to come in the draft — the reasonable excuses will vanish.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But managers were also instructed to rank such workers and, later, to include a justification for anyone who should be kept.
    David W. Brown, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Trump claims pardons for those on the bipartisan congressional Jan. 6 committee are void, therefore potentially opening the door toward a justification for investigation.
    Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Mountaineers have tried to rationalize their obsession with scaling peaks for centuries.
    Sean McNally, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Harrods has also optimized its profitability by rationalizing sizing across its clothing offer.
    Esade Business & Law School, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • While the free shipping perks of Amazon Prime remain the biggest reason for why most people subscribe, the quality of content on Prime Video had increasingly become a major driver.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The iconic act is one of the many reasons fans are flocking to the Voltaire inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas to watch the vedette's second residency.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This gets at a much bigger issue: This production fails to justify or explain why this is a one-person show or what is gained by this choice.
    Christian Lewis, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Speaking on the Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin explained what went wrong after the final restart.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Alibi.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alibi. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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