'Pretext' definitions:
Definition of 'pretext'
(from WordNet)
noun
Something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason [syn: pretext, stalking-horse]
noun
Definition of 'Pretext'
From: GCIDE
- Pretext \Pre"text\ (?; 277), n. [F. pr['e]texte, L. praetextum, fr. praetextus, p. p. of praetexere to weave before, allege as an excuse; prae before + texere to weave. See Text.] Ostensible reason or motive assigned or assumed as a color or cover for the real reason or motive; pretense; disguise. [1913 Webster]
- They suck the blood of those they depend on, under a pretext of service and kindness. --L'Estrange. [1913 Webster]
- With how much or how little pretext of reason. --Dr. H. More. [1913 Webster]
- Syn: Pretense; excuse; semblance; disguise; appearance. See Pretense. [1913 Webster]
Synonyms of 'pretext'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- acting,
- affectation,
- alibi,
- allege,
- alternative,
- appearance,
- attitudinizing,
- avow,
- bluff,
- bluffing,
- camouflage,
- cheating,
- choice,
- claim,
- cloak,
- color,
- coloring,
- cover,
- cover story,
- deception,
- delusion,
- disguise,
- dissemblance,
- dissembling,
- dissimulation,
- escape clause,
- escape hatch,
- excuse,
- explanation,
- facade,
- face,
- fakery,
- faking,
- false air,
- false front,
- false show,
- falsity,
- feigning,
- feint,
- four-flushing,
- fraud,
- front,
- gilt,
- gloss,
- guise,
- humbug,
- humbuggery,
- imposture,
- loophole,
- masquerade,
- meretriciousness,
- ostentation,
- outward show,
- playacting,
- plea,
- pose,
- posing,
- posture,
- pretend,
- pretense,
- pretension,
- profess,
- protest too much,
- purport,
- rational ground,
- rationale,
- rationalization,
- reason,
- reason for,
- reason why,
- red herring,
- representation,
- right,
- ruse,
- saving clause,
- seeming,
- semblance,
- sham,
- show,
- simulacrum,
- simulation,
- speciousness,
- stated cause,
- the big idea,
- the idea,
- the whatfor,
- the wherefore,
- the why,
- underlying reason,
- varnish,
- veil,
- way of escape,
- way out,
- window dressing