Alibi — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈa-lə-ˌbī/ al·i·bi

Meaning & Definition of Alibi

Alibi (noun)

  1. a defense of having been at the time of the commission of an act elsewhere than at the place of commission; also, the fact or state of having been elsewhere at the time
  2. an excuse usually intended to avert blame or punishment (as for failure or negligence)
  3. someone or something that provides a person with an alibi

Alibi (verb)

  1. to exonerate (someone) by an alibi, to furnish an excuse for
  2. to offer an excuse

Alibi (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an explanation that frees one from fault or blame

    "a student who always has a very creative alibi for undone homework or late papers"

    similar: apology, defense, excuse, justification, plea, reason
    related: color, guise, pretense, pretext, rationale, rationalization, vindication, whitewash, cop-out, out, acknowledgment, atonement, confession, extenuation, palliation

Alibi (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in explain, rationalize

    similar: account (for), explain, explain away, rationalize, excuse, justify, brush (aside or off), condone, disregard, forgive, gloss (over), gloze (over), ignore, pardon, pass over, remit, shrug off, wink (at)

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Alibi

The most common words with a similar meaning to Alibi:

apology, defense, excuse, justification, plea, reason, account (for), explain, explain away, rationalize, justify, brush (aside or off), condone, disregard, forgive, gloss (over), gloze (over), ignore, pardon, pass over, remit, shrug off, wink (at)

Related Words for Alibi

color, guise, pretense, pretext, rationale, rationalization, vindication, whitewash, cop-out, out, acknowledgment, atonement, confession, extenuation, palliation

Word Forms of Alibi

Inflections: alibied, alibiing

Origin & Etymology of Alibi

borrowed from Latin alibī "in another place, elsewhere," from alius "other" + -bī, locative suffix (as also in ibi, ibī "in that place, there," ubi, ubī "where?"), going back to Indo-European *-dhe (also in Oscan puf "where?," Umbrian pufe, Old Church Slavic kŭde, Sanskrit kúha, all going back to *kwu-dhe) + a particle *-i else

First known use: 1731

Words & Phrases Containing Alibi

alibi witness

Frequently Asked Questions about Alibi

What does "Alibi" mean?

"Alibi" means a defense of having been at the time of the commission of an act elsewhere than at the place of commission; also, the fact or state of having been elsewhere at the time. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a defense of having been at the time of the commission of an act elsewhere than at the place of commission; also, the fact or state of having been elsewhere at the time. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Alibi"?

Other words for "Alibi" include apology, defense, excuse, justification, plea, reason, account (for) and explain. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Alibi" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Alibi"?

There are 38 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Alibi". Common alternatives include apology, defense, excuse, justification, plea, reason, account (for), explain, explain away and rationalize.

How do you use "Alibi" in a sentence?

Examples of "Alibi" in a sentence: "a student who always has a very creative alibi for undone homework or late papers".

Is "Alibi" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Alibi" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Alibi"?

"Alibi" is pronounced /ˈa-lə-ˌbī/ and divided into syllables as al·i·bi.

What is the origin of the word "Alibi"?

"Alibi" comes from borrowed from Latin alibī "in another place, elsewhere," from alius "other" + -bī, locative suffix (as also in ibi, ibī "in that place, there," ubi, ubī "where?"), going back to Indo-European *-dhe (also in Oscan puf "where?," Umbrian pufe, Old Church Slavic kŭde, Sanskrit kúha, all going back to *kwu-dhe) + a particle *-i else. First known use: 1731.

What is another word for "Alibi" meaning "an explanation that frees one from fault or blame"?

When "Alibi" (noun) means an explanation that frees one from fault or blame, synonyms include apology, defense, excuse, justification, plea and reason.