pretext

A reason someone gives to hide their real reason for doing something.

• He needed a pretext to leave.
• She called on the pretext of asking for directions.
• They used the incident as a pretext for stricter rules.

How to use it: on/under the pretext of doing something (He visited on the pretext of returning a book.); a pretext for something (The delay was a pretext for canceling the meeting.); on the pretext that… (She left on the pretext that she felt ill.)

Similar words: excuse, pretence, cover

Common phrases: under the pretext, on the pretext, pretext for something

To use a false reason or identity to get something, especially private information.

• The investigator pretexted to obtain private records.
• They pretexted as bank employees to gain access.
• Someone had been pretexting for information about her account.

How to use it: pretext as someone (The caller pretexted as a customer to obtain account details.)

Similar words: blag

Common phrases: pretext for information, pretext as someone