a reason given (true or invented) to explain or defend one's behaviour or actions

reason, explanation

(an act of) criminal dishonesty; a person who pretends to be qualified, to have authority or to want to be kind, but who is or does not

trickery, deception

proof, reasons, (for behaviour, an action)

reason, excuse

an evil plot or scheme

maneuver, plot

a reason that is not true (for an action etc)

disguise; alleged reason

the basic reasons (for a belief, decision, course of action etc)

logic for belief, action