pretext

noun

Definition of pretextnext
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.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun pretext contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pretext are alibi, apologia, apology, excuse, and plea. While all these words mean "matter offered in explanation or defense," pretext suggests subterfuge and the offering of false reasons or motives in excuse or explanation.

used any pretext to get out of work

Where would alibi be a reasonable alternative to pretext?

The synonyms alibi and pretext are sometimes interchangeable, but alibi implies a desire to shift blame or evade punishment and imputes mere plausibility to the explanation.

his alibi failed to stand scrutiny

When might apologia be a better fit than pretext?

While the synonyms apologia and pretext are close in meaning, apologia implies not admission of guilt or regret but a desire to make clear the grounds for some course, belief, or position.

his speech was an apologia for his foreign policy

When is it sensible to use apology instead of pretext?

In some situations, the words apology and pretext are roughly equivalent. However, apology usually applies to an expression of regret for a mistake or wrong with implied admission of guilt or fault and with or without reference to mitigating or extenuating circumstances.

said by way of apology that he would have met them if he could

In what contexts can excuse take the place of pretext?

The meanings of excuse and pretext largely overlap; however, excuse implies an intent to avoid or remove blame or censure.

used illness as an excuse for missing the meeting

When would plea be a good substitute for pretext?

The words plea and pretext are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, plea stresses argument or appeal for understanding or sympathy or mercy.

her usual plea that she was nearsighted

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 Their position is confounding experts and worrying advocates, who fear the claims are a pretext for massive cuts to the program down the road. —Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 12 Mar. 2025 But antisemitism was just a pretext. —Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2025 What began under the pretext of stopping fentanyl and migration, then was framed as job protection, will end up disrupting a vital supply chain. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 This month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu identified a new pretext for further Israeli military presence in southern Syria as reports circulated of clashes between Druze militias and security forces of the interim Syrian government in the southern outskirts of Damascus. —Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pretext
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretext
  1. justification
  2. reason
  3. excuse
  4. pretense
  5. guise
Noun
  • What are the present political implications of trying to empathize with Germans under the Nazi regime, to better understand their own justifications for their crimes?
    — Joseph Bernstein, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • This administration might use a domestic crisis as even more justification to bypass legislative and judicial oversight.
    — Jane Harman, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of justification
Noun
  • The reason for the independence, the Brookings Institution explains, is that politicians tend to want lower interest rates because lower rates stimulate the economy.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The reason for the increase in the Tigers’ team score came after a review of Mizzou’s third rotation — balance beam.
    — Henry Chappell, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of reason
Noun
  • Ignorance Ignorance is never an excuse for poor governance.
    — Committee of 200, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The injury crisis became a convenient excuse for a team already playing quite badly.
    — The View from the Lane, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • What To Know According to court documents reviewed by NewsNation, Piccolo is accused of driving up to a woman in Manatee County, stopping his vehicle under the pretense of asking for directions and then exposing himself.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Moore befriended Shakespeare in 2008 under the pretense of writing a book about him, but the project never materialized.
    — Nicole Acosta, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of pretense
Noun
  • In fact, in a former guise this was the first company in China to manufacture automobiles.
    — James Morris, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • All would come under the guise of respect for local norms.
    — David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of guise

Browse Nearby Words

pretests
pretext
pretexts
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Cite this Entry

“Pretext.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretext. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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