Synonyms: alibi
Definition: (law) a defense by an accused person purporting to show that he or she could not have committed the crime in question
Similar words: defence, defense, vindication
Definition: the justification for some act or belief
Usage: he offered a persuasive defense of the theory
Synonyms: alibi, self-justification, exculpation, excuse
Definition: a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.
Usage: he kept finding excuses to stay; every day he had a new alibi for not getting a job; his transparent self-justification was unacceptable
Similar words: defence, defense, vindication
Definition: the justification for some act or belief
Usage: he offered a persuasive defense of the theory
Synonyms: alibi
Definition: exonerate by means of an alibi
Similar words: excuse, explain
Definition: serve as a reason or cause or justification of
Usage: Your need to sleep late does not excuse your late arrival at work; Her recent divorce may explain her reluctance to date again