alibis

word · lemma: alibi

Definition

Alibis are excuses or explanations that someone gives to show they were not at the place where a crime happened.

Usage & Nuances

Mostly used in legal or police contexts. 'Alibi' as a noun can be countable ('many alibis') and usually refers to specific claims about one's whereabouts. Outside legal contexts, can mean any excuse for not doing something, but this is less formal.

Example Sentences

Her friends had strong alibis for the night of the robbery.

basic

The suspects changed their alibis several times.

basic

After hours of questioning, the detectives finally broke their alibis.

natural

The lawyer checked all the witnesses’ alibis for inconsistencies.

natural

Some people use creative alibis to get out of boring events.

natural

They all gave different alibis to the police.

basic