Pretext

Meaning

a reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason

A false reason given to hide the real purpose or motive.

Example Sentences

He used illness as a pretext to avoid the meeting.

He went out on the pretext of buying groceries.

Example Expressions

under the pretext of

Synonyms

excuse, justification, cover, alibi, front, pretense, guise

Entry 1

excuse, justification, cover, alibi, front

Entry 2

excuse, pretense, cover, guise, justification

Antonyms

genuine reason, real motive, truth, reality, honesty

Entry 1

genuine reason, real motive, truth

Entry 2

truth, reality, honesty

Collocations

under pretext, false pretext, use pretext, provide pretext, under the pretext, flimsy pretext, on the pretext

Entry 1

under pretext, false pretext, use pretext, provide pretext

Entry 2

under the pretext, flimsy pretext, on the pretext, false pretext