Definition of Pretext

1. Noun. Something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason.

Exact synonyms: Stalking-horse
Generic synonyms: Dissembling, Feigning, Pretence, Pretense
Specialized synonyms: Putoff

2. Noun. An artful or simulated semblance. "Under the guise of friendship he betrayed them"
Exact synonyms: Guise, Pretence, Pretense
Generic synonyms: Color, Colour, Gloss, Semblance

Definition of Pretext

1. n. Ostensible reason or motive assigned or assumed as a color or cover for the real reason or motive; pretense; disguise.

Definition of Pretext

1. Noun. A false, contrived or assumed purpose; a pretense. ¹

2. Verb. To employ a pretext, which involves using a false or contrived purpose for soliciting the gain of something else. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Pretext

1. to allege as an excuse [v -ED, -ING, -S]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Pretext

preternature
preterperfect
preterperfects
preterpluperfect
preterpluperfects
preterrestrial
pretertiary
pretest
pretested
pretesting
pretests
pretex
pretexed
pretexes
pretexing
pretext (current term)
pretexted
pretexting
pretexts
pretextual
pretextuality
pretextually
pretexture
pretextures
prethe
pretheater
pretheatre
pretheoretical
pretheoretically
prethermalized

Literary usage of Pretext

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Curiosities of Literature by Isaac Disraeli (1858)
"CAUSE AND pretext. I? is an important principle in morals and in politics, not to mistake the cause for the pretext, nor the pretext for the cause, ..."

2. Curiosities of Literature by Isaac Disraeli, Benjamin Disraeli (1864)
"CAUSE AND pretext. IT is an important principle in morals and in politics, not to mistake the cause for the pretext, nor the pretext for the cause, ..."

3. Publications by English Dialect Society (1850)
"... tolerated, to make the Cyprians weary of them, whereby they might have Irish, an honourable pretext to quitt the Country; and that Condon designedly ..."

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