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.

Related Words

Relevance

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 Unfortunately, but understandably, many Iranians have come to resent the Palestinian cause—precisely because the regime has used it as a pretext to squander the country’s precious resources on its militia proxies in the name of fighting Israel. —Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 26 June 2025 Yes, presidents in both parties have skirted the War Powers Act before, but the usual pretexts don’t apply here. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025 Sending troops into a major American city on the flimsiest of pretexts, along with the usual clutch of garden-variety Trumpian offenses, certainly helped. —George Kalogerakis, Air Mail, 21 June 2025 More recently, some academics allege the Trump administration is using antisemitism as a pretext to claw back federal funding from higher education. —Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 9 June 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 story posted yesterday about Adam and Tatis joining Manny Machado as All-Stars, includes some justification for Tatis being an All-Star despite his struggles the past two-plus months.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025
  • The legal justification is mainly based on not exposing neighbors to secondhand smoke.
    — Phillip Molnar, Oc Register, 7 July 2025
Definition of justification
Noun
  • But there’s an obvious reason the hotel keeps the interiors somewhat understated.
    — Hannah Freedman, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025
  • The Trump administration is ending provisions that temporarily protected immigrants who lack permanent legal status from deportations for humanitarian reasons.
    — Paul Davidson, USA Today, 13 July 2025
Definition of reason
Noun
  • For the artist, every appearance is an excuse to adorn herself with beautiful pieces.
    — Jessica Scemama, Glamour, 6 July 2025
  • National French Fry Day is observed on July 11, and this is a great excuse to try fries in some unexpected and delicious new ways.
    — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • But his heart remained on the South Side, where fans appreciated him for his workmanlike approach, his quick pace and a lack of pretense.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • The federal indictment alleged that Combs and his associates lured female victims, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025
Definition of pretense
Noun
  • The addition of countries such as Egypt and Ethiopia has meant that BRICS has increasingly taken on the guise of the Global South forum.
    — Jorge Heine, The Conversation, 7 July 2025
  • Purified and reclaimed, these guises can take their place next to the other parts of her ever-expanding self-myth.
    — Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 2 July 2025
Definition of guise

Browse Nearby Words

pretests
pretext
pretexts
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pretext.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretext. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on pretext

Nglish: Translation of pretext for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ten Painless Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

12 Words Whose History Will Surprise You
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Ten Painless Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a plate of arepas
Name That Dish! Some mouth-watering food for thought
See All