pretext

[pree-tekst] / ˈpri tɛkst /

NOUN

disguise; alleged reason

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 cover story 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.

“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

"Why affect almost 23 million students under this absurd pretext?"

From BBC • May 9, 2026

But once war arrives, it’s futile and cowardly to try to stand apart from it on the pretext that you’re not responsible for it.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

The pose of chauffeur was convenient because I could travel under the pretext of driving my master’s car.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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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