pretext
noun
something that is put forward to conceal a true purpose or object; an ostensible reason; excuse.
pretexts
-
pluralof pretext.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
He has previously accused Russian authorities of "fabricating new pretexts to restrict Russians' access to Telegram".
From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026
No surprise, the panel agreed with him and concocted pretexts to kill the treatment—for instance, the staff opined that maybe biopsies had zapped the tumors.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
He dismissed the possible threat of a criminal indictment over his testimony or the renovation project as "pretexts."
From Barron's ● Jan. 12, 2026
The pretexts are flimsy; due process is absent, and mistakes have already been made.
From Slate ● Apr. 3, 2025
There was no need to ring for Jones; he found two pretexts an hour to come and gaze upon me.
From The King of Schnorrers Grotesques and Fantasies by Israel Zangwill
