as in justification
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.
Related Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pretext
Iran’s model presented Tehran as a mentor and patron, incubating armed groups under the pretext of fighting just causes.
—
Lina Khatib, Time, 19 June 2025
In recent years, reports have documented how ICE will sometimes jump on minor infractions, like a misdemeanor arrest, as a pretext to set deportation proceedings in motion, particularly in jurisdictions that cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
—Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Iranian officials have always denied seeking a nuclear bomb, but such claims served as the pretext for Israel's military intervention.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
The second Trump administration, well aware of this deference, is using foreign policy as a pretext for its legally dubious actions.
—Elizabeth N. Saunders, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretext
Lina Khatib, Time, 19 June 2025
In recent years, reports have documented how ICE will sometimes jump on minor infractions, like a misdemeanor arrest, as a pretext to set deportation proceedings in motion, particularly in jurisdictions that cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
—Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Iranian officials have always denied seeking a nuclear bomb, but such claims served as the pretext for Israel's military intervention.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
The second Trump administration, well aware of this deference, is using foreign policy as a pretext for its legally dubious actions.
—Elizabeth N. Saunders, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretext
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretext
Noun
-
The story posted yesterday about Adam and Tatis joining Manny Machado as All-Stars, includes some justification for Tatis being an All-Star despite his struggles the past two-plus months.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 July 2025
-
The legal justification is mainly based on not exposing neighbors to secondhand smoke.—
Phillip Molnar,
Oc Register,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
But there’s an obvious reason the hotel keeps the interiors somewhat understated.—
Hannah Freedman,
Travel + Leisure,
13 July 2025
-
The Trump administration is ending provisions that temporarily protected immigrants who lack permanent legal status from deportations for humanitarian reasons.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
For the artist, every appearance is an excuse to adorn herself with beautiful pieces.—
Jessica Scemama,
Glamour,
6 July 2025
-
National French Fry Day is observed on July 11, and this is a great excuse to try fries in some unexpected and delicious new ways.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
Noun
-
But his heart remained on the South Side, where fans appreciated him for his workmanlike approach, his quick pace and a lack of pretense.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
-
The federal indictment alleged that Combs and his associates lured female victims, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
The addition of countries such as Egypt and Ethiopia has meant that BRICS has increasingly taken on the guise of the Global South forum.—
Jorge Heine,
The Conversation,
7 July 2025
-
Purified and reclaimed, these guises can take their place next to the other parts of her ever-expanding self-myth.—
Mitch Therieau,
New Yorker,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pretext.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretext. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share