Synonyms for pretext

Noun

1. pretext, stalking-horse, pretense, pretence, feigning, dissembling

usage: something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason

2. guise, pretense, pretence, pretext, semblance, gloss, color, colour

usage: an artful or simulated semblance; "under the guise of friendship he betrayed them"