pretext
noun/ˈpriːtɛkst/
Frequency rank: #9,870 of 20,003 in the WORDED list (wordfreq data)
Meaning
a false reason given to justify an action while hiding the true reason.
Example sentence
He left the party early, using a headache as his pretext to avoid further conversation.
Synonyms & related words
More words in ranks 9,801–9,900
- picketa protest in which people stand outside a workplace to show opposition, often during a strike.
- poignantEvoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; deeply touching.
- polioAn infectious viral disease that can cause paralysis, especially in children.
- potencyThe strength or power of something, especially a drug or argument.
- precariousNot securely held; dangerously likely to fall or fail.
- privatizationThe transfer of a business or industry from public (government) ownership to private ownership.
- proclaimto announce something officially or publicly in a confident way.
- quaintAttractively unusual or old-fashioned in a charming way.
- raccoona small, nocturnal mammal with a bushy striped tail and a distinctive black mask-like marking around its eyes.
- reassurancesomething said or done to remove someone's doubts or fears; comfort given to reduce worry.