pretext Synonyms

pretense guise excuse cover pretension mask disguise justification semblance stalking-horse front alibi pretence apologia straw man fig leaf red herring cleanup evasiveness simulation story stratagem subterfuge trick veil vindication motivation grounds cover-up camouflage sugarcoating alleged reason false excuse false pretense window dressing blag cover story coverup pork pie smokescreen excuses ostensible reason show deception defense disguisement dominos evasion excuseless explanation