26984 words

pretext

2 definitions • 4 examples
1
a pretended reason for doing something that is used to hide the real reason:

Examples:

The border dispute was used as a pretext for military intervention.
I called her on the pretext of needing more information.
He came round to see her on some flimsy (= obviously false) pretext.
2
a pretended reason for doing something that is used to hide the real reason:

Examples:

He called her on the pretext of needing help with his homework.

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