pretextual
Hiding true motives
Pretextual describes something offered as a false or misleading justification—a cover for the real reason behind an action.
A pretextual traffic stop occurs when police pull over a driver for a minor violation but are actually investigating something else.
The word appears frequently in legal contexts where motives are scrutinized: The court found the termination was pretextual, masking discrimination.
Causing false beliefs
- disingenuousFeigning ignorance or innocence
- falseNot matching reality
- dishonestInclined to deceive
- fraudulentInvolving intentional dishonesty
deceitful · insincere · duplicitous · untruthful · bogus · phony · spurious · fabricated
Decorative outer layer
- charadeAbsurd or obvious pretense
- masqueradeDeceptive act or costume party
- frontForward-facing side
- disguiseIdentity-concealing alteration
appearance · guise · cloak · mask · semblance · pretense · window-dressing · affectation
Figured out mathematically
- deliberateConsciously chosen, not accidental
- tacticalStrategically planned
- orchestratedDeliberately arranged complex elements
- plannedDecided on beforehand
intentional · purposeful · scheming · manipulative · maneuvering · opportunistic · cunning · crafty
Defense of location
- fabricationDeliberately untrue statement
- rationalizationInventing acceptable motives afterward
- justificationReason proving rightness
- coverProtect by overlaying
story · evasion · dodge · subterfuge · cover-up · whitewash · misrepresentation · smokescreen
Showing unfair distinction
- unconstitutionalViolating fundamental law
- unjustifiedLacking adequate reason
- arbitraryBased on personal whim
- illegitimateNot authorized or recognized
improper · wrongful · unlawful · retaliatory · procedural · nominal · ostensible · disparate impact
misleading
Causing false beliefs
- disingenuousFeigning ignorance or innocence
- falseNot matching reality
- dishonestInclined to deceive
fraudulent · deceitful · insincere · duplicitous · untruthful · bogus · phony · spurious · fabricated · trumped-up
veneer
Decorative outer layer
- charadeAbsurd or obvious pretense
- masqueradeDeceptive act or costume party
- frontForward-facing side
disguise · appearance · guise · cloak · mask · semblance · pretense · window-dressing · affectation · posturing
calculated
Figured out mathematically
- deliberateConsciously chosen, not accidental
- tacticalStrategically planned
- orchestratedDeliberately arranged complex elements
planned · intentional · purposeful · scheming · manipulative · maneuvering · opportunistic · cunning · crafty · machination
alibi
Defense of location
- fabricationDeliberately untrue statement
- rationalizationInventing acceptable motives afterward
- justificationReason proving rightness
cover · story · evasion · dodge · subterfuge · cover-up · whitewash · misrepresentation · smokescreen · red herring
discriminatory
Showing unfair distinction
- unconstitutionalViolating fundamental law
- unjustifiedLacking adequate reason
- arbitraryBased on personal whim
illegitimate · improper · wrongful · unlawful · retaliatory · procedural · nominal · ostensible · disparate impact · selective enforcement
pretextualforthright
Directly honest in manner
candid · transparent · straightforward · aboveboard · truthful
pretext, pretexts, text, texts, textual, textually, texture, textures, textured