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

That was their goal from the start, they just needed time to dredge up a pretext.

From Los Angeles Times

The talk of “crime” is even more threadbare than the usual right-wing pretexts.

From Salon

Beckmann said the situation is a “particularly perilous historical moment because we have a president willing to flout constitutional limits while Congress and the court have been willing to accept pretext as principle.”

From Los Angeles Times

"China opposes any attempt by anyone to use the pretext of cultural and artistic exchanges to engage in political manipulation and interfere in China's internal affairs."

From BBC

Autocrats and demagogues use false claims of crime and disorder as pretexts to declare a permanent state of emergency and to suspend the rule of law, along with civil rights and liberties.

From Salon

Related Words

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