pretext

noun

pre·​text ˈprē-ˌtekst How to pronounce pretext (audio)
Synonyms of pretextnext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are poll workers being trained to create pretext for lawsuits. —Addie Morfoot, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024 Thursday’s attack could well give Israel a pretext to strike. —Paul Iddon, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2024 The organization said that for decades, police have used the violation as a pretext to stop, question and frisk residents, especially people of color. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 Such rules are a pretext to shed workers without severance, experts maintain. —Nick Rockel, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pretext 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pretext was circa 1538

Phrases Containing pretext

Dictionary Entries Near pretext

pretest

pretext

pretexta

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Pretext.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretext. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

pretext

noun
pre·​text ˈprē-ˌtekst How to pronounce pretext (audio)
: a reason put forward in order to hide the real reason
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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