Pretext

Pronunciation: /ˈpriːˌtɛkst/

Pretext (noun)

  1. A reason you give to hide the real one, especially when you want to justify an action.
  2. A stated justification used to start or support something, even if it is not the true cause.
  3. A claim used to make an action seem acceptable, while the real motive is different.

Examples

  • She gave a fake reason, but everyone knew it was a pretext.
  • They used a pretext to hide the real motive.