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pretexting

pretexting

1 9.6
Pretending to be someone else or making up a false reason to get private information
  • noun
  • /ˈpriːˌtɛkstɪŋ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : pretexto
  • The process of pretexting requires inventing a false reason to deceive others into sharing personal information.
  • known as pretexting

Examples

  • But that's going to be, in a sense, the, if we look at the narrative world, the pretext for there being any story at all.

  • The detective used pretexting to gather information by posing as a utility worker during the investigation.

  • Many companies have strict policies against pretexting because it can lead to privacy violations and legal issues.

Synonyms

deception
vspretexting
163 3.9

An action that makes someone believe something not true

is a specific method aimed at obtaining information or hiding motives
pretense
vspretexting
  • US
65 6.1

A false claim or action to hide the truth

is often used as a false reason to gain information or hide motives
ruse
vspretexting
53 7.7

A clever trick to deceive someone

is about inventing false reasons or identities to obtain information
pretext
vspretexting
42 6.7

A false reason people give to hide what they really want

is the action of creating or using such reasons to gain information
impersonation
vspretexting
30 5.7

An act of copying another person's voice and actions to entertain or trick people

can also mean making up false reasons to gain information
trickery
vspretexting
27 4.9

To use dishonest ways to cheat people

is often a targeted act to obtain information or hide motives
subterfuge
vspretexting
19 9.5

A trick or excuse to hide the real reason

is a specific tactic of inventing reasons or assuming false identities
smokescreen
vspretexting
9 7.1

An action or statement that hides the real reason behind something

is aimed specifically at getting information or hiding motives
false pretense
vspretexting
  • Jargon
7 8.2

A crime of lying to get someone's money or things

is broader and aims to get information or hide motives not only property
fakery
vspretexting
6 6.8

A thing or action made to trick people into thinking it is real

is broad and can include false reasons or identity fraud to gain information
dissembling
vspretexting
3 9.9

Hiding your true feelings or intentions by pretending

is used specifically to get information or conceal true purpose
spoofing
vspretexting
  • Texting
2 7.9

Pretending to be someone else online to trick people

is used beyond online settings and also covers invented reasons
imposture
vspretexting
  • Archaic
1 9.5

To pretend to be someone else to trick people

also includes inventing false reasons to obtain information
feigning
vspretexting
1 7.4

Pretending to have an illness or feeling to trick others

is used specifically to secure information or conceal real intentions
pretending
vspretexting
1 4.1

A way of acting to make others believe something that is not true

is narrower focusing on inventing reasons or identities to obtain information
fronting
vspretexting
  • NSFW
8.7

Acting as a false owner to hide who really owns something, often illegally

involves directly adopting another identity or inventing false reasons

Antonyms

71 4.8

A quality that shows something is real and believable to people

13 2.7

Being honest and not telling lies

How Deceptive

fraud
577 4.0
scam
  • NSFW
294 3.0
pretexting
  • Specialized
1 9.6
impersonation
30 5.7
pretense
  • US
65 6.1

Surface Forms

pretexting singular
pretextings plural

Morphology

pretexting = pretext (semi-transparent) = pretext + ing

The form is built by adding -ing to pretext, but the sense refers to a specialized deceptive practice rather than a fully predictable action noun.

Etymology

The word pretexting comes from pre- 'before' and pretext, which originally meant a 'cover' made by a root that meant 'to weave' or 'to cover', so a pretext is a 'cover' put in front of the truth. So pretexting is making a false cover or excuse to hide your real purpose and get information.