pretext

Meaning

Noun

A false, contrived, or assumed purpose or reason; a pretense.

Verb

To employ a pretext, which involves using a false or contrived purpose for soliciting the gain of something else.

Synonyms

excuse

pretence

pretense

plea

reason

guise

ground

justification

cause

occasion

stalking-horse

motive

opportunity

colour

foundation

defense

blind

strawman

straw man

apology

argument

explanation

alibi

outset

past

prelude

pretension

self-justification

shield

🛡️

simulation

stall

story

history

basis,

invoke as excuse

account

use as pretext

addition

basis

beginning

buckler

chance

🎲

cloak

color

comment

commentary

commitment

cue

deceit

defence

description

dupe

escutcheon

exposition

false accusation

front man

gloss

handle

origination

Hyphenated as

pre‧text

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈpɹiːtɛkst/

Etymology

From French prétexte, from Latin praetextum (“an ornament, etc., wrought in front, a pretense”), neuter of praetextus, past participle of praetexere (“to weave before, fringe or border, allege”).