pretext

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.

“They use it as a pretext, even in regions where there is no such danger.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

“It’s all pretext and obfuscation when the real agenda is rejecting conventional science and serving a predetermined anti-vaccine agenda,” Richard Hughes IV, a law professor at George Washington University, told The Guardian.

From Salon • Feb. 13, 2026

Minister Seethakka told the Hindu newspaper that killing stray dogs under the pretext of population control could not be justified under any circumstances.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2026

He denounced the probe as a pretext for undermining his independence.

From Barron's • Jan. 17, 2026

Under this pretext, without showing his aspiration for imperial power, he moved his army to Rome, and was in Italy before his departure was known.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli