pretext
Americannoun
-
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.
-
the misleading appearance or behavior assumed with this intention.
His many lavish compliments were a pretext for subtle mockery.
- Synonyms:
- evasion, subterfuge
noun
-
a fictitious reason given in order to conceal the real one
-
a specious excuse; pretence
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
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.
"The pretexts used to justify such actions are untenable. Ideological hostility has triumphed over businesslike pragmatism," it added.
From Barron's
As we reported this summer, Dr. Prasad tried to use the death of two Duchenne patients—among some 1,000 treated with the therapy—as a pretext to pull the medicine from the market.
The men were lured to join the mercenary forces under the pretext of lucrative contracts, the government said, adding that it condemned "the exploitation of young vulnerable people by individuals working with foreign military entities".
From BBC
The presidency said in early November it had been asked to bring home the 17 men who were allegedly "trapped" in Donbas after being lured there "under the pretext of lucrative employment contracts".
From Barron's
Perhaps he got the message, which is why he asserted that he had a cause as a pretext to fire Ms. Cook.
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.
