pretext

Noun
  1. Something serving to conceal plans;
    A fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason (synset 106772487)
    is a type of: dissembling, feigning, pretence, pretense - pretending with intention to deceive
    subtypes: putoff - a pretext for delay or inaction
    same as: stalking-horse
  2. An artful or simulated semblance (synset 104686265)
    "under the guise of friendship he betrayed them"
    is a type of: color, colour, gloss, semblance - an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading
    same as: guise, pretence, pretense

Other Searches