Vocabulary Entry

pretext

|noun • verb

noun

A reason or motive given to justify an action, which is often not the real reason.

Example Sentences

"He used a medical emergency as a pretext to leave the meeting early."

"The company cited financial troubles as a pretext for laying off employees."

"She frequently creates a pretext for avoiding social events she doesn't want to attend."

verb

Example Sentences

"They pretexted the trip as a team-building exercise, but it was really a vacation."

"The politician pretexted his absence by claiming he had a family obligation."

"She pretexted her lack of attendance with an excuse that wasn't genuine."