pretext

[pree-tekst]

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

/ ˈpriːtɛkst /

noun

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

2. a specious excuse; pretence

Word History and Origins

Origin of pretext¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pretext¹

C16: from Latin praetextum disguise, from praetexere to weave in front, disguise; see _texture

Example Sentences

Perhaps he got the message, which is why he asserted that he had a cause as a pretext to fire Ms. Cook.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The men, aged from 20 to 39, were lured to join the mercenary forces under the pretext of lucrative contracts, the government said.

Read more on BBC

The BBC obtained a covert recording of Miles meeting an unknown man, apparently on the pretext of carrying out a business deal.

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Administration officials have characterized the shift as pragmatic deterrence that forces Taipei to fund its own defense capabilities while avoiding symbolic gestures that could grant Beijing a pretext for a Ukraine-style conflict.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

So it stands to reason they would find some laughable pretext to bless his run for a third term, despite it being explicitly forbidden by the 22nd Amendment.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• alibi 
• excuse 
• guise 
• ploy 
• pretense 
• ruse