Thesaurus results for PRETEXT

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

pretext

noun

Definition of pretext next

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.

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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 The Fed chairman responded with a rare video statement, warning that the investigation could be a pretext to force rate cuts. —

Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026 The Department of Justice earlier this month opened an investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell related to the central bank's renovation of its historic buildings, a probe that Powell said is a pretext for weakening the Fed's independence. —

Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026 The more abusive the power of the state, the more angry people will become, which the administration then uses as a pretext to crack down harder. —

Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2026 In an extraordinary video rebutting the charges, Powell said the DOJ’s action was a pretext. —

Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pretext

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretext

Noun

Past administrations offered legal and moral justifications for military inventions, such as the Bush administration’s claims that Iraq was a just war.

— Gerard F. Powers, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, the House lawmakers who reviewed unredacted versions of the Epstein files yesterday say at least six powerful figures were improperly shielded without clear legal justification.

— Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026

Definition of justification

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“Pretext.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretext. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of pretext

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