1
as in pretense
a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive
he allowed himself to dine at fine restaurants all over the world under the guise of research for his book on international cuisine
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in costume
clothing chosen as appropriate for a specific situation
she felt as though she should be wearing some sort of Germanic guise, complete with dirndl, for the fall festival featuring traditional German food and drink
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in mask
clothing put on to hide one's true identity or imitate someone or something else
he sneaked into the castle to rescue Ivanhoe in the guise of a priest coming to give Ivanhoe his last rites
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in appearance
outward and often deceptive indication
hazing rituals may have the guise of harmless fun, but often the reality is serious physical abuse
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of guise
Populism in all its guises surfaces problems but rarely solves them.
—
Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
That the comet would have been visible during the daytime, in its guise as the Star of Bethlehem, even solves a minor mystery of the Christmas story, according to Matney.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 16 Dec. 2025
Later, Pennywise takes on the guise of the man in order to scare Eddie.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Dec. 2025
What is developing now may well turn out to be a defeat for MPS, wearing the guise of a victory for charter opponents and especially for the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association.
—Alan J. Borsuk, jsonline.com, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for guise
Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
That the comet would have been visible during the daytime, in its guise as the Star of Bethlehem, even solves a minor mystery of the Christmas story, according to Matney.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 16 Dec. 2025
Later, Pennywise takes on the guise of the man in order to scare Eddie.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Dec. 2025
What is developing now may well turn out to be a defeat for MPS, wearing the guise of a victory for charter opponents and especially for the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association.
—Alan J. Borsuk, jsonline.com, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for guise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guise
Noun
-
Federal officials have declared ICE’s killings lawful and justified over social media without any pretense of a formal review, making statements that are cruel, derogatory, misleading, or simply false.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Investigators say Wilson approached her under the pretense of needing directions.—
Jane LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The girls seemed to be having a great time during these performances, interacting with fans by reacting to their costumes and signs, and creating a Candybong wave.—
Laura Sirikul,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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The musical sequel had scored eight longlist mentions including in acting categories, score and sound, but today only heard its name called in costume and hair and makeup.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Taylor stepped out yesterday evening for the New York premiere of The Rip, wearing a sheer black dress with an ultra-high neckline and mask-like sheath across her face by Ashi Studio.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
14 Jan. 2026
-
The complaint says King returned to the apartment the next day, wearing a mask and again asking about Toney.—
Tom Olsen,
Twin Cities,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Following his assassination, Erika became the new CEO and chair of TPUSA, and has made public appearances at various events.—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
1 Feb. 2026
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Following that series, Wilson dedicated his life to ministry, making one more small-screen appearance for a four-episode arc on UPN’s Girlfriends in 2005.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Trumpism does not hide behind the facade of something high.—
Ezra Klein,
Mercury News,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Don’t be fooled by the dull façade of their authority.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
On Friday Mangione arrived at court unshackled in his tan prison garb.—
Lorena O’Neil,
Rolling Stone,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Gregersen and Kåss nail the aesthetics, music – Britney Spears – and garb of the aughts.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Agents wearing camouflage vests were seen going in and out of the warehouse.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
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The vehicle, as tends to be the case with teases like this, is covered in a camouflage wrap, its still possible to make out some intriguing details.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The results will show young women who look an awful lot like circus clowns, with faces hidden under layers of masks, gels, serums, and even face tape.—
Jana Pollack,
Parents,
31 Jan. 2026
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The suspects appeared to be wearing dark-colored clothing, with black hooded sweatshirts and black face coverings.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Guise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guise. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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