Sentences for Pretext: Learn Pretext with Examples

The word “pretext” refers to a false reason or excuse given to justify an action or behavior. It is commonly used to describe a deceptive or misleading reason used to cover up the true motive behind an action. This article provides structured sentences for ‘pretext’ at different difficulty levels to help you understand and use the word effectively.

Basic Level Sentences for Pretext

1. He used a work meeting as a pretext to avoid going to the party. (Noun)

In this sentence, “pretext” refers to an excuse or reason that is not the true one.

2. The man gave a pretext of being sick to skip school. (Noun)

“Pretext” is used to describe a false reason for avoiding an obligation.

3. She told him that her car broke down, but it was just a pretext to leave early. (Noun)

Here, “pretext” is used to explain a misleading excuse for leaving early.

4. The teacher suspected that his illness was a pretext to avoid taking the test. (Noun)

In this case, “pretext” implies a false excuse given to avoid an unpleasant task.

5. She used the weather as a pretext for being late to the meeting. (Noun)

“Pretext” here refers to the weather being used as an excuse for tardiness.

6. He made up a pretext to cancel their dinner plans. (Noun)

The word “pretext” is used to indicate a false excuse to break plans.

7. They used the need for a quick break as a pretext to leave the office early. (Noun)

“Pretext” in this sentence refers to an excuse made to leave work before time.

8. The politician gave a pretext of needing privacy to avoid answering questions. (Noun)

In this case, “pretext” refers to a false reason used to avoid confrontation.

9. He used a family emergency as a pretext to get out of the social event. (Noun)

Here, “pretext” is a false excuse used to avoid attending an event.

10. Her apology was just a pretext for avoiding further discussion on the matter. (Noun)

“Pretext” refers to an excuse made to end a conversation or situation.

Intermediate Level Sentences for Pretext

11. He used the excuse of a busy schedule as a pretext to avoid meeting his old friends. (Noun)

In this case, “pretext” is used to indicate a false reason for not meeting others.

12. The company claimed that the closure was due to renovation, but it was merely a pretext to lay off employees. (Noun)

Here, “pretext” refers to a deceptive excuse to justify a decision.

13. His pretext for canceling the meeting was that he was too busy, but we later learned it was because he wanted to avoid uncomfortable questions. (Noun)

In this sentence, “pretext” refers to a misleading excuse to avoid a difficult situation.

14. The manager’s claim that the budget was tight was just a pretext to avoid giving raises to the staff. (Noun)

Here, “pretext” is a false reason used to justify an unfair decision.

15. He used his “workload” as a pretext to avoid attending the team-building event. (Noun)

“Pretext” is used to describe a false reason for avoiding a social obligation.

16. They claimed they were taking a detour due to traffic, but it was just a pretext to avoid the main event. (Noun)

In this sentence, “pretext” refers to an excuse made to avoid something planned.

17. The invitation to dinner seemed like a pretext to discuss business matters. (Noun)

“Pretext” here refers to a hidden agenda behind the invitation.

18. She said she was too tired as a pretext for not attending the family gathering, but we knew the real reason was her conflict with her relatives. (Noun)

Here, “pretext” describes a false excuse used to hide personal reasons.

19. He gave the pretext of a medical condition to get out of a commitment, though it was later revealed to be untrue. (Noun)

“Pretext” refers to a false excuse that later turns out to be fabricated.

20. Her pretext for not returning the call was that she had been too busy, but we suspect she was avoiding the conversation. (Noun)

In this sentence, “pretext” is used to describe an excuse used to avoid a direct interaction.

Advanced Level Sentences for Pretext

21. The CEO used the pretext of financial instability to justify mass layoffs, but some believed the real motive was to increase shareholder profits. (Noun)

Here, “pretext” refers to a false reason used for a controversial decision.

22. He argued that his actions were done for the greater good, but it was clear that the pretext was merely a cover for his personal ambitions. (Noun)

“Pretext” is used to describe a false justification used to mask selfish intentions.

23. Despite his claim that he wanted to help, it became evident that his pretext for offering assistance was to gain power within the organization. (Noun)

In this context, “pretext” refers to a deceptive excuse used for ulterior motives.

24. The government’s pretext for increasing surveillance was national security, though many argued it was a means to suppress dissent. (Noun)

“Pretext” here refers to a reason given to justify a policy that hides its true purpose.

25. He used the pretext of offering a better deal to lure investors, while secretly planning to deceive them for his own gain. (Noun)

In this case, “pretext” refers to a false reason used to manipulate others.

26. They introduced new policies under the pretext of improving efficiency, but their true goal was to cut costs at the expense of employees. (Noun)

“Pretext” refers to a deceptive reason used to conceal a more self-interested agenda.

27. The organization’s environmental initiative was just a pretext for securing more funding from donors, despite their actual lack of concern for sustainability. (Noun)

“Pretext” here is used to describe a deceptive excuse for exploiting a situation.

28. The manager’s offer of mentorship was a pretext to gain the trust of the junior staff for his own strategic benefit. (Noun)

Here, “pretext” implies a false reason used to manipulate a situation.

29. He claimed to have acted out of concern for the public, but the pretext was a veiled attempt to gain political leverage. (Noun)

“Pretext” is used to indicate a hidden motive behind a public action.

30. The use of charity as a pretext for tax evasion was exposed during the investigation, revealing a complex web of deceit. (Noun)

“Pretext” refers to a misleading excuse used to mask illegal or unethical behavior.

Expert Level Sentences for Pretext

31. Philosophers have long debated whether the use of pretext in political discourse compromises the integrity of democratic processes. (Noun)

Here, “pretext” is discussed in the context of philosophical debates about ethics and democracy.

32. International law scholars argue that the use of humanitarian aid as a pretext for military intervention raises significant ethical and legal concerns. (Noun)

“Pretext” is applied in a complex legal and international relations scenario.

33. The pretext of aiding refugees was used to justify economic exploitation of vulnerable populations, leading to widespread criticism from human rights groups. (Noun)

In this case, “pretext” refers to a false justification for unethical actions.

34. In the wake of the scandal, it became clear that the company’s environmental initiatives were merely a pretext for avoiding more stringent regulations. (Noun)

“Pretext” refers to a false reason used to avoid accountability or scrutiny.

35. The philosopher’s critique of the use of pretext in justifying inequality highlights the moral complexities of societal norms and legal structures. (Noun)

“Pretext” is used in an advanced philosophical and moral discussion.

36. Scholars argue that the pretext of economic development used to justify the exploitation of indigenous land raises questions about the ethics of corporate power. (Noun)

“Pretext” refers to a false excuse masking harmful actions against vulnerable groups.

37. In court, the defense’s claim that the defendant acted out of self-defense was dismissed as a pretext for illegal actions. (Noun)

Here, “pretext” is used in a legal context to refer to a false justification for behavior.

38. Environmental activists have condemned the use of greenwashing as a pretext to divert attention from corporate malfeasance. (Noun)

“Pretext” refers to a deceptive excuse used to deflect attention from harmful practices.

39. Historians often point to the use of war as a pretext for consolidating political power, resulting in long-lasting consequences for international relations. (Noun)

“Pretext” refers to a false reason used to justify significant political and military actions.

40. Ethicists have long warned that using a pretext to justify immoral actions undermines trust in societal institutions and governance. (Noun)

“Pretext” is discussed here in terms of its detrimental effect on societal integrity.

Mastering Pretext

Now that you have explored various sentence examples for ‘pretext,’ you can confidently use the word in different contexts, from casual conversations to advanced academic and legal discussions. Understanding ‘pretext’ in its multiple dimensions ensures you use it appropriately and effectively. Keep practicing by incorporating ‘pretext’ into your writing and speech to master this concept!