pretext

as in justification
a false ground that you give to hide why you are really doing something The leaders used a minor clash at the border as a pretext for war.

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How does the noun pretext contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pretext are alibi, apologia, apology, excuse, and plea. While all these words mean "matter offered in explanation or defense," pretext suggests subterfuge and the offering of false reasons or motives in excuse or explanation.

used any pretext to get out of work

Where would alibi be a reasonable alternative to pretext?

The synonyms alibi and pretext are sometimes interchangeable, but alibi implies a desire to shift blame or evade punishment and imputes mere plausibility to the explanation.

his alibi failed to stand scrutiny

When might apologia be a better fit than pretext?

While the synonyms apologia and pretext are close in meaning, apologia implies not admission of guilt or regret but a desire to make clear the grounds for some course, belief, or position.

his speech was an apologia for his foreign policy

When is it sensible to use apology instead of pretext?

In some situations, the words apology and pretext are roughly equivalent. However, apology usually applies to an expression of regret for a mistake or wrong with implied admission of guilt or fault and with or without reference to mitigating or extenuating circumstances.

said by way of apology that he would have met them if he could

In what contexts can excuse take the place of pretext?

The meanings of excuse and pretext largely overlap; however, excuse implies an intent to avoid or remove blame or censure.

used illness as an excuse for missing the meeting

When would plea be a good substitute for pretext?

The words plea and pretext are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, plea stresses argument or appeal for understanding or sympathy or mercy.

her usual plea that she was nearsighted

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of pretext According to a senior law enforcement official, the shooter visited the church weeks ago under the pretext of wanting to reconnect with the Catholic faith at the school, which the shooter once attended. Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025 In the lawsuit, Cook's attorney rejected the allegations as a pretext aimed at removing her for political reasons. Olivia Rubin, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2025 Critics have characterized the department's allegations as a kind of pretext for partisan gerrymandering in Texas. Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 21 Aug. 2025 North Korea labels the allies' joint drills as invasion rehearsals and often uses them as a pretext to dial up military demonstrations and weapons tests aimed at advancing its nuclear program. Kim Tong-Hyung The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pretext
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretext
Noun
  • The vessel was operating in international waters but that added to the murkiness of the legal justification.
    Emily Goodin, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • This document, so often a justification for violence, also contains words of reconciliation, of fortitude and healing.
    Jack Sheehan September 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Whatever the reason behind the tradition may be, Swift and Mahomes were all smiles in the Dirty 30 photo as the WAGS prepare to head into football season together and cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • For those reasons and more, Rohl’s signing on a season-long loan, with a €20million obligation provided Everton avoid relegation, is intriguing.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Investors don’t need another earnings call filled with excuses about macro headwinds when the rest of the industry is growing.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • To open flat is without excuse, given the setting.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But not everyone accepts that pretense.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 1 Sep. 2025
  • But the Jiménezes’ work does not carry the pretense of purity.
    Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • As good as the car looks, especially in its open-top Volante guise, the real story can be found underneath its hood.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Now, palladium in a jar connected to nuclear fusion is being revived but in a different guise.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pretext.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretext. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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