pretext
/ˈpriːtɛkst
/noun
A reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason: the rebels had the perfect pretext for making their move he called round on the pretext of asking after her mother...
- Various pretexts, excuses, and complications have been invoked over the years, but essentially this is a matter of politically motivated exclusion.
- We find pretexts and excuses to nip through the main room to check on David, bringing him half an orange, a chunk of chocolate, so he knows we're still thinking of him.
- The buzz is that the political agenda of the Minister's visit was merely a pretext.
Synonyms
excuse, false excuse, ostensible reason, alleged reason, plea, supposed grounds;
guise, ploy, pretence, ruse, semblance, show, blind, pose, masquerade, mask, cloak, veil, veneer, smokescreen, camouflage, cover, travesty, parody, charade
Origin
Early 16th century: from Latin praetextus 'outward display', from the verb praetexere 'to disguise', from prae 'before' + texere 'weave'.
- Southern Rhodesia
- southern sea lion
- southern-side
- southern state
- Southern Tier
- southern-tinted
- Southern Triangle
- southernwood
- Southeyan
- Southey, Robert
- south-facing
- Southfield
- south-following
- South Gate
- South Georgia
- South Glamorgan
- south-going
- South Hadley
- south half
- southing
- South Island
- South Islander
- South Jordan
- South Ken
- South Kensington