pretext

noun

pre·​text ˈprē-ˌtekst 

: a purpose or motive alleged or an appearance assumed in order to cloak the real intention or state of affairs

Choose the Right Synonym for pretext

apology, apologia, excuse, plea, pretext, alibi mean matter offered in explanation or defense.

apology usually applies to an expression of regret for a mistake or wrong with implied admission of guilt or fault and with or without reference to mitigating or extenuating circumstances.

said by way of apology that he would have met them if he could

apologia implies not admission of guilt or regret but a desire to make clear the grounds for some course, belief, or position.

his speech was an apologia for his foreign policy

excuse implies an intent to avoid or remove blame or censure.

used illness as an excuse for missing the meeting

plea stresses argument or appeal for understanding or sympathy or mercy.

her usual plea that she was nearsighted

pretext suggests subterfuge and the offering of false reasons or motives in excuse or explanation.

used any pretext to get out of work

alibi implies a desire to shift blame or evade punishment and imputes mere plausibility to the explanation.

his alibi failed to stand scrutiny

Examples of pretext in a Sentence

She went back to her friend's house on the pretext that she had forgotten her purse.

Recent Examples on the Web

Conservationists and some state officials contend the move is a pretext for commercial development that will harm wildlife habitats and water quality. — Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 19 Aug. 2026

During the voyage, the report alleged that Caruso separated the boy from his parents for at least an hour under the pretext of getting ice cream. — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Experts say North Korea has often used its rivals’ drills as a pretext to ramp up testing activities to expand its weapons arsenals and promote public support for the reclusive North Korean leader. — Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026

In more recent hearings, immigrant rights groups signed onto the opposition, worried the bill could provide immigration enforcement officers with an additional pretext to enter homes. — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin praetextus, from praetexere to assign as a pretext, screen, extend in front, from prae- + texere to weave — more at technical

First Known Use

circa 1538, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pretext

• on one pretext or another

Rhymes for pretext

• complexed
• deflexed
• perplexed
• plaintext
• reflexed
• subtext
• ciphertext
• hypertext
• multiplexed
• teletext
• flexed
• next

Kids Definition

pretext

noun

pre·​text ˈprē-ˌtekst 

: a reason put forward in order to hide the real reason