pretext

noun

pre·​text ˈprē-ˌtekst 

: a purpose or motive alleged or an appearance assumed in order to cloak the real intention or state of affairs

Choose the Right Synonym for pretext

apology, apologia, excuse, plea, pretext, alibi mean matter offered in explanation or defense.

apology usually applies to an expression of regret for a mistake or wrong with implied admission of guilt or fault and with or without reference to mitigating or extenuating circumstances.

said by way of apology that he would have met them if he could

apologia implies not admission of guilt or regret but a desire to make clear the grounds for some course, belief, or position.

his speech was an apologia for his foreign policy

excuse implies an intent to avoid or remove blame or censure.

used illness as an excuse for missing the meeting

plea stresses argument or appeal for understanding or sympathy or mercy.

her usual plea that she was nearsighted

pretext suggests subterfuge and the offering of false reasons or motives in excuse or explanation.

used any pretext to get out of work

alibi implies a desire to shift blame or evade punishment and imputes mere plausibility to the explanation.

his alibi failed to stand scrutiny

Examples of pretext in a Sentence

She went back to her friend's house on the pretext that she had forgotten her purse.

Recent Examples on the Web

Not only was the mood more upbeat, the conversations were far more honest and open—with less of a pretext that things were perfect and with a belief the 2030 target of $350 billion for the apparel and textile industry—with a $100 billion of that of exports—is actually achievable. —Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 9 Dec. 2024

From 1972 until his assassination on Oct. 26, 1979, Park relied on emergency measures to suppress dissent, using them as a pretext to imprison hundreds of political opponents and activists, further intensifying public opposition to his government. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

And now, Biden has handed the Republican a pretext to carry through with sweeping plans to upend the Department of Justice as the Republican vows to seek retribution against supposed adversaries. —Colleen Long, Fortune, 3 Dec. 2024

Using that outstanding warrant as a pretext, Nelly was arrested and searched which turned up four ecstasy pills. —David Matthews, New York Daily News, 13 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin praetextus, from praetexere to assign as a pretext, screen, extend in front, from prae- + texere to weave — more at technical

First Known Use

circa 1538, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pretext

• on one pretext or another

Kids Definition

pretext

noun

pre·​text ˈprē-ˌtekst 

: a reason put forward in order to hide the real reason