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

Eritrea is the only African country without privately owned media, having shut down its private press in 2001 under the pretext of "national security".

From BBC

It would create a loophole that legalizes purges that Congress tried to ban, under the pretext that targeted individuals are not true “voters” at all.

From Slate

We blame two failed impeachments on Congress for taking too long, we fault Attorney General Merrick Garland for waiting far too long to charge Trump for his many crimes, we rage at Jack Smith for failing to move more hastily and for not bringing a tight, just-add-water indictment, and then we gnash our teeth each time the Supreme Court dreams up some pretext for sending everyone back to GO and ensuring that there can never be any form of accountability for the former president’s worst malfeasance.

From Slate

A judge ruled against Paxton, writing that his "request to examine documents from Annunciation House was a pretext to justify its harassment of Annunciation House employees and the persons seeking refuge."

From Salon

The Kremlin has used the 2012 law to squash any opposition inside the country to President Vladimir Putin, and also as a pretext to detain people, including foreigners.

From BBC

Related Words

• alibi
• come-off
• excuse
• guise
• ploy
• pretense
• ruse