Synonyms and related words :
alibi, apology, blind, camouflage, cloak, color, cover, cover story, cover-up, device, disguise, domino, excuse, facade, false colors, false face, false front, feint, front, gloss, guise, handle, incognito, lame excuse, locus standi, mask, masque, masquerade, mummery, ostensible motive, poor excuse, pretense, pretension, pretext, protective coloration, protestation, public motive, put-off, refuge, screen, semblance, sham, show, stalking-horse, stratagem, subterfuge, trick, varnish, veil, visor, vizard, vizard mask