as in reasons
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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Recent Examples of pretexts
Hamas says that Israel is creating pretexts to avoid honoring the agreement.
—
Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 29 Dec. 2025
Those killed under torture, or by starvation, or medical neglect, on the other hand, were transported first to military hospitals where pretexts were invented for the deaths.
—Robin Yassin-Kassab, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 29 Dec. 2025
Those killed under torture, or by starvation, or medical neglect, on the other hand, were transported first to military hospitals where pretexts were invented for the deaths.
—Robin Yassin-Kassab, Time, 17 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretexts
Noun
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Why Atlas stood out at CES 2026 CNET pointed to Atlas’ humanlike walking ability and refined industrial design as key reasons for the award.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
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If the reasons behind an expense feel fuzzy, analyze the details and ask for a clear summary, because precise information turns hesitation into a calm, confident decision.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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That includes not only explanations and justifications for the officers’ actions but also, where appropriate, apologies and commitments to correct any tactical or administrative problems that led to the loss of life.—
Laurence Miller,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Jan. 2026
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When boards pre-commit to a preferred outcome and then retrofit justifications for rejecting alternatives, the problem is not strategic disagreement.—
Mark DesJardine,
Fortune,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Kingstringer and Ledesma were booked into the Contra Costa County Jail on suspicion of grand theft of an animal, theft by false pretenses and conspiracy.—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
31 Dec. 2025
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They were booked into Contra Costa County jail on charges of grand theft of an animal, theft by false pretenses and conspiracy.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
31 Dec. 2025
Noun
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The excuses have more to do with political expediency and gas lobbying than reality.—
Anshul Gupta,
New York Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
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There can be no excuses because the general team performance against mid-table Fulham had plenty in common with those that had gone before it.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pretexts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretexts. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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