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Synonyms for

Pretext

Noun / ˈpri:ˌtekst / Another word for pretext — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

an excuse or reason given to hide the real reason for something

Synonyms & similar words

stalkinghorse guise pretence pretense excuse pretense cover mask alibi cloak disguise veil front facade smokescreen screen feint ploy ruse deception subterfuge dodge trick

Synonyms by register

Formal

guise disguise ostensible reason purported reason

Informal

excuse cover story smokescreen front

Literary

color cloak mask

Antonyms

truth reality honesty fact sincerity authenticity veracity

Common collocations

  • under the pretext
  • on the pretext
  • false pretext
  • thin pretext
  • plausible pretext
  • pretext for
  • pretext of

Word family

noun pretext

Usage note

Pretext refers to a false reason given to hide the real reason for an action. It is often used in formal contexts, but the informal synonym 'excuse' is very common.

Compare "pretext" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. He used the pretext of needing to go to the bathroom to sneak out of the meeting.
  2. She made up a pretext for not going to the party.
  3. The company's pretext for firing the employee was not convincing.
  4. He saw through her pretext and knew the real reason she was upset.

Quotes

  • Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often times we call a man cold when he is only sad. - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
  • The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - Nelson Mandela
  • The only way to do great work is to love what you do. - Steve Jobs

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