under false pretenses

phrase

: by saying something that is not true, by pretending something, etc.

A reporter obtained documents from the company under false pretenses.

Examples of under false pretenses in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Agencies may share that information with other law enforcement agencies for those purposes, and knowingly obtaining or using the data under false pretenses or for another purpose can result in a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026

The lawsuit alleges that HFPA members approved the deal under false pretenses. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 28 July 2026

El Mayo later said he had been lured onto that flight under false pretenses. — Sol Amaya, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

After learning that his client couldn’t locate her husband, Rodriguez admitted to obtaining a warrant in July 2022 under false pretenses in order to find him. — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

Rhymes for under false pretenses

• albigenses
• consequences
• inferences
• biosciences
• commences
• condenses
• defences
• defenses
• dispenses
• excellences
• expenses
• offences