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

Oregon’s attorney general filed a lawsuit Monday alleging the president had applied a “baseless, wildly hyperbolic pretext” to send in the troops.

From Los Angeles Times

"I fear that the flotilla's attempt to break the Israeli naval blockade could serve as a pretext to do so," Meloni said.

From BBC

“It was about creating a pretext to send armed military troops to our communities.”

From Salon

Speaking to a group of journalists, Pezeshkian accused foreign powers of seeking a superficial pretext to set the region ablaze, insisting that, despite previous threats, Iran would not quit the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

From BBC

They appear to be using Kirk’s assassination as a pretext for a more restrictive autocratic crackdown on their political opponents and the media.

From Salon

Related Words

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