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
Right-wing critics have accused these offices of engaging in censorship campaigns against conservatives, under the pretense of fighting fake news.
—
Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 2 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for under/on the pretense of
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Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 2 May 2025
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
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 22 May. 2025.
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