pretext

UK: /ˈpriːtɛkst/ US: /ˈpritɛkst/ ,(prē′tekst)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

pre•text /ˈpritɛkst/   n. [countable]

1. something put forward to conceal a true purpose;
   an excuse:
   She came into my office on the pretext of borrowing a stapler.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

pre•text  (prē′tekst), n. 

1. something that is put forward to conceal a true purpose or object;
   an ostensible reason;
   excuse:
   The leaders used the insults as a pretext to declare war.
2. the misleading appearance or behavior assumed with this intention:
   His many lavish compliments were a pretext for subtle mockery.

• Latin praetextum pretext, ornament, noun, nominal use of neuter past participle of praetexere to pretend, literally, to weave in front, hence, adorn. See pre-, texture
• 1505–15

Synonyms

• 2. subterfuge, evasion.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

pretext / ˈpriːtɛkst/ noun

1. a fictitious reason given in order to conceal the real one
2. a specious excuse; pretence

Etymology: 16th Century: from Latin praetextum disguise, from praetexere to weave in front, disguise; see texture