Definitions

alibi

[al-uh-bahy] / ˈæl əˌbaɪ /

NOUN

defense against charges of wrongdoing; evidence of absence

Synonyms

STRONGEST

excuse justification pretext

STRONG

account affirmation allegation answer assertion assurance avowal case cover declaration explanation plea profession proof reason reply retort stall statement vindication

WEAK

airtight case cop-out fish story song and dance

Antonyms

STRONG

denial question request

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But he got his first name wrong, and the person he actually accused turned out to have a firm alibi.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Ford determined that Hatley was the only person who couldn’t provide an alibi for the night of the murder.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Police had accepted his alibi and, on Christmas Eve, told McCullagh he was no longer viewed as a suspect.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

And, of course, there was the alibi – the six-hour YouTube gaming 'live stream' broadcast the night before Natalie was found dead, that turned out to be a pre-recorded ruse.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

It made my alibi sound a wee bit suspicious, and that’s how I got thrown in the lockup.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing alibi

The Westing Game

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Twelve Angry Men

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"The Pedestrian" by Ray Bradbury

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