Ostensible reason put forward to disguise the true one (7)

I believe the answer is:

pretext

(Other definitions for pretext that I've seen before include "Alleged reason" , "Reason put forward to conceal the true one" , "False reason, guise" , "Ostensible justification" , "Ostensible reason" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.