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Synonyms

pretext

American  
[pree-tekst] / ˈpri tɛkst /

noun

  1. something that is put forward to conceal a true purpose or object; an ostensible reason; excuse.

    The leaders used the insults as a pretext to declare war.

  2. the misleading appearance or behavior assumed with this intention.

    His many lavish compliments were a pretext for subtle mockery.
    Synonyms:
    evasion, subterfuge
pretext British  
/ ˈpriːtɛkst /

noun

  1. a fictitious reason given in order to conceal the real one

  2. a specious excuse; pretence

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of pretext

1505–15; < Latin praetextum pretext, ornament, noun use of neuter past participle of praetexere to pretend, literally, to weave in front, hence, adorn. See pre-, texture

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.