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
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, 30 June 2025
He’s sent the National Guard into L.A. under the pretense of fighting crime — over the objections of local leaders — in a dangerous overreach.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 June 2025
The 57-page lawsuit alleges that Ibrahim was lured to the gym under the pretense of a challenge and then attacked by Watson, a co-owner of the gym and two unidentified men.
—Theo Karantsalis, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
Detectives learned the pair visited the victim’s residence under the pretense of helping clean, the agency said.
—Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for under/on the pretense of
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Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2025
He’s sent the National Guard into L.A. under the pretense of fighting crime — over the objections of local leaders — in a dangerous overreach.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 June 2025
The 57-page lawsuit alleges that Ibrahim was lured to the gym under the pretense of a challenge and then attacked by Watson, a co-owner of the gym and two unidentified men.
—Theo Karantsalis, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
Detectives learned the pair visited the victim’s residence under the pretense of helping clean, the agency said.
—Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 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 6 Jul. 2025.
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