under/on the pretense of
idiom
: using as a false reason or explanation (something that is used to hide the real purpose of something)
He called her under/on the pretense of asking about the homework assignment.
Examples of under/on the pretense of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In 1900: Yuxian, the governor of Shanxi province in North China, ordered the massacre of 45 foreign Protestant and Catholic missionaries, including women and children, under the pretense of protection from violence.
—
Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025
World & Nation Sean Combs’ inner circle reveals a world of guns, abuse, kidnapping and death threats
May 28, 2025
The federal indictment alleges that Combs and his associates lured female victims, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
The federal indictment alleges that Combs and his associates lured female victims, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2025
He’s sent the National Guard into L.A. under the pretense of fighting crime — over the objections of local leaders — in a dangerous overreach.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for under/on the pretense of
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Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025
World & Nation Sean Combs’ inner circle reveals a world of guns, abuse, kidnapping and death threats
May 28, 2025
The federal indictment alleges that Combs and his associates lured female victims, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
The federal indictment alleges that Combs and his associates lured female victims, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2025
He’s sent the National Guard into L.A. under the pretense of fighting crime — over the objections of local leaders — in a dangerous overreach.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for under/on the pretense of
Cite this Entry
“Under/on the pretense of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/under%2Fon%20the%20pretense%20of. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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