Word to describe hidden intentions

Question

I am looking for a term that describes a certain behavior. The example I have is in a situation where a person has malicious intent, but pretends to be innocent or even helpful. For example, if you have a “friend” that calls your wife, knowing you’re out of town. When confronted, they were just checking in on her. I am interested in a term that describes both the intent, and the type of response.

A second example could be a security guard groping a woman during a search. When confronted the response is that it was a frisk for everyone’s safety. Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

You might be looking for -

Ulterior

: existing beyond what is obvious or admitted; intentionally hidden.

(From Lexico)

Therefore, "ulterior motive" might fit your given context -

Ulterior motive

An alternative or extrinsic reason for doing something, especially when concealed or when differing from the stated or apparent reason.

(From Wiktionary)

Answer 2

Try this:

ruse
_{NOUN COUNTABLE}

A plan or trick for hiding your true intentions

_{Source: Macmillan Dictionary}

Answer 3

The action of the “friend” in your example could be termed as 'ostensible', which means 'appearing to be one thing when it is really something else'.

Answer 4

How about Dissemble:

To puts on a false appearance: conceal facts, intentions, or feelings under some pretense.

To disguise or conceal one's real nature, motives, or feelings behind a false appearance.

A dissembler is one who conceals his opinions, character, etc., under a false appearance; one who pretends that a thing which it is not.

Answer 5

Hidden agenda is an expression that may fit your context:

If you say that someone has a hidden agenda, you are criticizing them because you think they are secretly trying to achieve or cause a particular thing, while they appear to be doing something else.

(Collins)