pretext
Example Sentences
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We still see this in so many cases involving the Fourth Amendment, when police use the alleged smell of marijuana as a pretext for an illegal search.
From Slate ● Jun. 18, 2026
“I guess it can be seen as a pretext for the album. Just … be sweet,” she says.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 29, 2026
But some industry watchers say firms are using the technology as a pretext for other cost-cutting.
From Barron's ● May 21, 2026
In January, he released a startling video disclosing he was under investigation and labeling it a pretext to pressure the central bank to cut rates.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 14, 2026
When the Reichstag building burned down, which became the pretext for Hitler’s suppression of political dissent, Szilard was dismayed by the failure of his German friends to grasp the developing reality.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
Actions over the Fed building were "pretexts", he said.
From BBC ● Jan. 12, 2026
He dismissed the possible threat of a criminal indictment over his testimony or the renovation project as "pretexts."
From Barron's ● Jan. 12, 2026
Ayala says she believes he was looking for pretexts to evict her.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2024
In Philadelphia, for example, after the aforementioned drop in citations, the city decided to phase out police enforcement of minor traffic violations, including dubious pretexts like “rearview mirror decorations.”
From Slate ● Apr. 25, 2023
Poor fellow, what shallow pretexts would he stammer out for absenting himself from home, what despicable subterfuges to put off an audience!
From Barrington Volume I (of II) by Lever, Charles James
Vocabulary lists containing pretext
Animal Farm
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Unit 1: Telling Details
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Grade 11, List 2
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