pretext

Speech parts

1. pretext - Noun

2. pretext - Verb

Meaning

Ostensible reason or motive assigned or assumed as a color or cover for the real reason or motive; pretense; disguise.

Source: Webster's dictionary

Synonyms

pretense excuse guise front alibi cover justification mask disguise semblance pretence pretension stalking-horse meanwhile dominos
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Antonyms

gospel fact attack reality accuracy challenge
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Hypernyms

color colour pretense gloss semblance pretence

Hyponyms

putoff

Phrases with the word

false pretext

Examples

We must always be on guard lest, under the pretext of keeping one commandment, we be found breaking another. Basil of Caesarea

Disturbances in society are never more fearful than when those who are stirring up the trouble can use the pretext of religion to mask their true designs. Denis Diderot

But the greatest menace to our civilization today is the conflict between giant organized systems of self-righteousness-each system only too delighted to find that the other is wicked-each only too glad that the sins give it the pretext for still deeper hatred and animosity. Herbert Butterfield

On every small pretext the wolf seizes the sheep. Italian Proverb

The wolf never wants a pretext against the lamb. Portuguese Proverb

Upon a slight pretext the wolf takes the sheep. French Proverb

Close letter words and terms

pretester pretesticular pretex pretextual pretextual stop pretextuality