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.

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Synonym Chooser

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 offhand inclusion of brutal, total tragedy just to build these pretexts is unsettling. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 July 2025 The guidance could influence cops to use everyday behavior as a pretext for police action. —Matt Burgess, Wired News, 12 July 2025 His attorneys argue the charges are a pretext to justify the initial deportation and warn that immigration officials plan to send him to a third country if he's released from jail. —Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025 Poder says they have historically been used as a pretext for searches that disproportionately target people of color. —Miguel Torres, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for pretext
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretext
  1. justification
  2. reason
  3. excuse
  4. pretense
  5. guise
Noun
  • The justification for these cuts has been cloaked in the language of fiscal responsibility.
    — TrickleUp, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The legal justification is that motorcyclists are less visible, especially in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions, which increases the risk of collisions.
    — Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 28 July 2025
Definition of justification
Noun
  • Law enforcement determined the child is not a runaway, and a custody dispute is not the sole reason for requesting an activation.
    — Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
  • The top reason students opt not to pursue higher education is cost, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board states, though having a degree can drastically increase earnings.
    — Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Definition of reason
Noun
  • With so many advantages, Power 4 programs have no excuses for losing to a team from the MAC.
    — Austin Meek, New York Times, 29 July 2025
  • There’s no excuse with the fatigue or stuff like that.
    — Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 29 July 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • In the case of Brazil, which now faces a potential 50% levy, the president has abandoned the pretense of using his tariff policy to shore up trade deficits.
    — Garrett Haake, NBC news, 10 July 2025
  • Over the past several years, numerous individuals have been arrested after allegedly attempting to enter the property under suspicious or false pretenses, in some cases carrying electronic equipment or claiming to have messages for the president.
    — Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Definition of pretense
Noun
  • Pumping out 434-hp in its Japan-spec guise, the last A90 Supra was priced in its home country at 15 million yen or around $101,000.
    — Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Renowned for a distinct sense of minimalism, the new Ming 20.01 series 5 guise is anything but.
    — Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 14 July 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 4 Aug. 2025.

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