under/on the pretense of
idiom
: using as a false reason or explanation (something that is used to hide the real purpose of something)
He called her under/on the pretense of asking about the homework assignment.
Examples of under/on the pretense of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
What To Know According to court documents reviewed by NewsNation, Piccolo is accused of driving up to a woman in Manatee County, stopping his vehicle under the pretense of asking for directions and then exposing himself.
—
Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
The indictment, unsealed last week, alleges that Combs and his associates lured female victims, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship.
—Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2024
The victims were lured to meeting locations under the pretense of purchasing items listed for sale online, the Yuba City Police Department announced Wednesday in a news release.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 20 Feb. 2025
The sheriff confirmed Litton also went in June to an Adventist school in Chico under the pretense of enrolling a child.
—Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for under/on the pretense of
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
The indictment, unsealed last week, alleges that Combs and his associates lured female victims, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship.
—Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2024
The victims were lured to meeting locations under the pretense of purchasing items listed for sale online, the Yuba City Police Department announced Wednesday in a news release.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 20 Feb. 2025
The sheriff confirmed Litton also went in June to an Adventist school in Chico under the pretense of enrolling a child.
—Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for under/on the pretense of
Cite this Entry
“Under/on the pretense of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/under%2Fon%20the%20pretense%20of. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share