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
UConn is already closing small classes and programs on the pretense of efficiency, while asking faculty to teach increasingly larger classes.
—
Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
Perhaps instead of spending those millions on a parade, that money would be better spent on food for the hungry, medical research or assistance for the thousands of federal workers Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency so callously fired on the pretense of cutting fraud and abuse.
—Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
The federal indictment alleges that Combs and his associates lured female victims, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
Sweeping allegations The federal indictment alleges that Combs and his associates lured female victims, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for under/on the pretense of
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Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
Perhaps instead of spending those millions on a parade, that money would be better spent on food for the hungry, medical research or assistance for the thousands of federal workers Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency so callously fired on the pretense of cutting fraud and abuse.
—Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025
The federal indictment alleges that Combs and his associates lured female victims, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
Sweeping allegations The federal indictment alleges that Combs and his associates lured female victims, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 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 11 Jun. 2025.
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