Definitions

cover story

NOUN

excuse

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alibi apology justification pretext rationalization substitute trick

STRONG

cleanup cover defense disguise evasion expedient extenuation grounds jive makeshift mitigation plea regrets routine semblance shift song stall stopgap story subterfuge vindication whitewash

WEAK

come-off cop-out coverup fish story song and dance why and wherefore

Antonyms

STRONG

permanent

NOUN

pretext

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alibi come-off excuse guise ploy pretense ruse

STRONG

affectation appearance bluff cleanup cloak color coloring cover cover-up device face feint front mask masquerade plea routine semblance show simulation stall stratagem subterfuge veil

WEAK

cop-out fig leaf red herring song and dance

Antonyms

STRONGEST

reality

STRONG

back rear truth

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But you cannot simply ask the subject of your cover story what has made her the current cinema’s rawest nerve.

From Los Angeles Times

Reckzeh had been set up as a spy and agent provocateur by the Gestapo: Thadden had been fooled by his elaborately constructed cover story.

From The Wall Street Journal

Speaking quickly and in a hushed tone, Mr Hussain fired questions at our reporter about his cover story - the mini-mart and the immigration fine.

From BBC

One of our reporters managed to call Mr Farzanda, using the same cover story as he had told Mr Ahmad Ali.

From BBC

"I had to make up girlfriends and take female friends to functions just to have a cover story in place", said Roly Woods, who served in the Navy for 46 years.

From BBC

cover story

Example Sentences

Related Words