Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun pretext

2 senses of pretext

Sense 1
pretext, stalking-horse -- (something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason)
       => pretense, pretence, feigning, dissembling -- (pretending with intention to deceive)

Sense 2
guise, pretense, pretence, pretext -- (an artful or simulated semblance; "under the guise of friendship he betrayed them")
       => semblance, gloss, color, colour -- (an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading; "he hoped his claims would have a semblance of authenticity"; "he tried to give his falsehood the gloss of moral sanction"; "the situation soon took on a different color")