pretext

noun

Definition of pretextnext
as in justification
a false ground that you give to hide why you are really doing something The leaders used a minor clash at the border as a pretext for war.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun pretext contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pretext are alibi, apologia, apology, excuse, and plea. While all these words mean "matter offered in explanation or defense," pretext suggests subterfuge and the offering of false reasons or motives in excuse or explanation.

used any pretext to get out of work

Where would alibi be a reasonable alternative to pretext?

The synonyms alibi and pretext are sometimes interchangeable, but alibi implies a desire to shift blame or evade punishment and imputes mere plausibility to the explanation.

his alibi failed to stand scrutiny

When might apologia be a better fit than pretext?

While the synonyms apologia and pretext are close in meaning, 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

When is it sensible to use apology instead of pretext?

In some situations, the words apology and pretext are roughly equivalent. However, 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

In what contexts can excuse take the place of pretext?

The meanings of excuse and pretext largely overlap; however, excuse implies an intent to avoid or remove blame or censure.

used illness as an excuse for missing the meeting

When would plea be a good substitute for pretext?

The words plea and pretext are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, plea stresses argument or appeal for understanding or sympathy or mercy.

her usual plea that she was nearsighted

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of pretext China has accused President Trump of using fentanyl as a pretext to threaten the country economically, and Beijing has retaliated with countertariffs and other measures. —John Ruwitch, NPR, 7 Mar. 2025 The order was a pretext to block immigrants rather than an attempt to reform public health policy. —Stuart Anderson, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 Analysts have called those pretexts for Rwanda's involvement. —Janvier Barhahiga and Monika Pronczuk The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 28 Feb. 2025 Naim said Israel was deliberately delaying further negotiations to create a pretext for returning to war against Hamas. —Matt Bradley, NBC News, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pretext
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretext
  1. justification
  2. reason
  3. excuse
  4. pretense
  5. guise
Noun
  • But managers were also instructed to rank such workers and, later, to include a justification for anyone who should be kept.
    — David W. Brown, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Trump claims pardons for those on the bipartisan congressional Jan. 6 committee are void, therefore potentially opening the door toward a justification for investigation.
    — Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of justification
Noun
  • People play video games for a lot of different reasons; video games provide a creative outlet, a chance to connect with others, and moving stories that resonate with our personal experiences.
    — G Kirilloff, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • There is no compelling reason to return to the monopolistic system other than for utility shareholders to profit off of Maryland consumers.
    — Mary Beth Tung, Baltimore Sun, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of reason
Noun
  • Back in San Jose, Santana Row continues to beckon with new dining options and more excuses to pay for parking there.
    — Laura Ness, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to snuggle with a blanket in the middle of a party? 27.
    — Maggie Griswold, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • The Trump Administration has significantly weakened America's national security infrastructure under the false pretense of government efficiency, by reducing staffing at the Departments of Defense and State, FBI, CIA, USAID, and others despite increasing global threats.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The Trump administration’s harrowing detention of Palestinian student activist Mahmoud Khalil — and the broader repression of student activism on campuses across the country — is being sold to the public under the false pretense of ensuring Jewish safety.
    — Adam Jaffe, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of pretense
Noun
  • All would come under the guise of respect for local norms.
    — David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Underneath the guise of afternoon tea, though, lies a book club, which offers Eleanor, Rose and Lavinia the chance of newfound freedom.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of guise

Browse Nearby Words

pretests
pretext
pretexts
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Cite this Entry

“Pretext.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretext. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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