pretext
noun
pre·text
ˈprē-ˌtekst 
: a purpose or motive alleged or an appearance assumed in order to cloak the real intention or state of affairs
Examples of pretext in a Sentence
She went back to her friend's house on the pretext that she had forgotten her purse.
Recent Examples on the Web
The legally stated rationale concerning fentanyl is an obvious pretext; negligible amounts of fentanyl are coming in from Canada, and what comes from Mexico is overwhelmingly being trafficked by U.S. citizens going through official ports of entry.
—
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2025
Both Canada and China have accused Trump of using fentanyl as a pretext to threaten them.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 4 Mar. 2025
Hamas, however, said Sunday the ceremonies were dignified, and Israel was using them as a pretext to evade its obligations agreed to under the ceasefire.
—Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
But arrest reports reviewed by the Herald suggest the smell of marijuana is still a common pretext for searches and can lead to more serious charges.
—Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretext
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New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2025
Both Canada and China have accused Trump of using fentanyl as a pretext to threaten them.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 4 Mar. 2025
Hamas, however, said Sunday the ceremonies were dignified, and Israel was using them as a pretext to evade its obligations agreed to under the ceasefire.
—Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
But arrest reports reviewed by the Herald suggest the smell of marijuana is still a common pretext for searches and can lead to more serious charges.
—Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretext
Cite this Entry
“Pretext.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretext. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pretext
noun
pre·text
ˈprē-ˌtekst
: a reason put forward in order to hide the real reason
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