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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Synonym Chooser

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 Russia’s unsubstantiated claims that NATO is plotting armed provocations against Transnistria could be a pretext for Moscow’s meddling in Moldova, raising concerns about further military aggression in the region. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025 Caracas has denounced the deployment as a pretext for coercion and a possible attempt at regime change. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025 Even countries like Iran, which have long used the Palestinian cause as a pretext for hostility, would now face a diplomatic reckoning. Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 24 Sep. 2025 The crackdown was ostensibly to ferret out spies, but in many cases the security forces used the war as a pretext to detain ethnic and religious minorities as well as Afghan migrants, according to Amnesty International. Babak Dehghanpisheh, NBC news, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pretext
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretext
Noun
  • Critics argue the campaign lacks transparency and legal justification, and may be intended more as intimidation than interdiction.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Questions about the legality of the strikes But legal experts say the administration's justification is full of holes.
    Franco Ordoñez, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Today with Jenna & Friends co-host credited her sister as the reason for many of her successes, including her role as a television host.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The Raptors’ 34-11 advantage in fast-break points was the biggest reason for that.
    Eric Koreen, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Matt Baker says Florida coaches are out of excuses moving forward, Bruce Feldman breaks down the candidates to replace Napier and Chris Vannini has the pluses and minuses of the job.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The Bills have draft capital to move, too, so there's really no excuse not to get something done.
    Jon Conahan, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Workers in the scam compounds are often trafficked from third countries, usually under the pretense of a lucrative job offer, and then forced to scam people online with investment pitches or romantic ploys.
    Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025
  • All of Beaton’s extravagance, artifice and pretence stemmed from him trying to become something he was never born into.
    Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Several actors donned the iconic guise of Ghostface in the Scream franchise, but one of the most intriguing is Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich) in the original film.
    Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
  • In this guise, Saverino is breathless with excitement.
    Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pretext.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretext. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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