pretexts
Covers for motives
Pretexts is the plural of pretext, a false reason given to disguise the real one.
A pretext provides cover for intentions you'd rather not admit: The inspection was a pretext for searching the house.
To act under the pretext of something is to use it as an excuse: He visited under the pretext of returning a book, but really wanted to see her.
Deliberate act of deception
- subterfugeDeliberate deception to conceal
- deceitDeliberate misleading of others
- trickeryDeliberate deception or fraud
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
duplicity · artifice · feint · scheming · chicanery · dissembling · imposture · stratagem
Defense of location
- justificationReason proving rightness
- rationaleStated basis for action
- explanationStatement making something clear
- defenseProtection against harm
plea · grounds · reason · cop-out · evasion · dodge · cover story · mitigation
False outward appearance
- frontForward-facing side
- coverProtect by overlaying
- disguiseIdentity-concealing alteration
- maskFace-worn concealment
smokescreen · veil · cloak · semblance · appearance · veneer · screen · camouflage
Deliberate falsehood
- falsehoodDeliberate untrue statement
- inventionNew device or method
- fictionImagined narrative work
- concoctionPrepared combination of ingredients
untruth · misrepresentation · tall tale · whopper · story · fib · distortion · half-truth
ruse
Deliberate act of deception
- subterfugeDeliberate deception to conceal
- deceitDeliberate misleading of others
- trickeryDeliberate deception or fraud
manipulation · duplicity · artifice · feint · scheming · chicanery · dissembling · imposture · stratagem · machination
alibi
Defense of location
- justificationReason proving rightness
- rationaleStated basis for action
- explanationStatement making something clear
defense · plea · grounds · reason · cop-out · evasion · dodge · cover story · mitigation · exculpation
façade
False outward appearance
mask · smokescreen · veil · cloak · semblance · appearance · veneer · screen · camouflage · false front
lie
Deliberate falsehood
concoction · untruth · misrepresentation · tall tale · whopper · story · fib · distortion · half-truth · falsification
scheme
Calculated strategy, often secretive
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- tacticPlanned action for advantage
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
trick · device · gimmick · wile · intrigue · conspiracy · setup · trap · con · sting