under/on the pretense of
idiom
: using as a false reason or explanation (something that is used to hide the real purpose of something)
He called her under/on the pretense of asking about the homework assignment.
Examples of under/on the pretense of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Eugene Spector is accused of gathering genetic data from Russian citizens under the pretense of scientific research, the Russian news outlet Meduza reported.
—
David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
Police said Hussein would then ask to use the victim's phone, on the pretense of needing to look up directions or connect to the Uber app.
—Patrick Smith, NBC News, 13 Dec. 2024
Player 456) and the secret island where luckless souls are murdered in the name of rich people’s fun, under the pretense of playing a game.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024
Both Loughlin and Giannulli, 57, pleaded guilty last May to paying $500,000 in bribes to get Olivia Jade and Isabella fraudulently admitted to the University of Southern California on the pretense of being recruits for the school’s rowing team.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 5 Dec. 2024
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David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
Police said Hussein would then ask to use the victim's phone, on the pretense of needing to look up directions or connect to the Uber app.
—Patrick Smith, NBC News, 13 Dec. 2024
Player 456) and the secret island where luckless souls are murdered in the name of rich people’s fun, under the pretense of playing a game.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024
Both Loughlin and Giannulli, 57, pleaded guilty last May to paying $500,000 in bribes to get Olivia Jade and Isabella fraudulently admitted to the University of Southern California on the pretense of being recruits for the school’s rowing team.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for under/on the pretense of
Cite this Entry
“Under/on the pretense of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/under%2Fon%20the%20pretense%20of. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.
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