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.

Instead he uses the war as a pretext for urging modern Britain to “accelerate munitions production” in preparation for a “European War” whose antagonists remain largely unspecified.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

The state also pointed to later postconviction filings and defense counsel’s own affidavit suggesting that she had not in fact preserved the fuller pretext theories subsequently pressed on appeal.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

He said the aircraft had been taking part in "a deception and escape mission... under the pretext of recovering the pilot of a downed aircraft".

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

Prosecutors say the first team of Russian operatives arrived in Angola's capital, Luanda, in 2024 under the pretext of opening a Russian cultural centre, a project that never materialised.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

I called Dr. Cuevas, who came over on the pretext of having tea but was really there to examine Clara.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende