Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
pretext
noun
/ˈpriːtɛkst/
Definition
A reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason.
Examples
- He left the meeting early under the pretext of receiving an urgent phone call.
- The company used environmental concerns as a pretext to cut costs.
Meaning
It is a false or an assumed reason made to cover the actual intention behind an action, often used to deceive or mislead.
Synonyms
- Excuse
- Pretense
- Allegation
- Justification
