mask 1 of 2

1
as in costume
a cover or partial cover for the face used to disguise oneself an elaborate mask that would be suitable for a fancy masquerade ball

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2

mask

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb mask differ from other similar words?

The words cloak and disguise are common synonyms of mask. While all three words mean "to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature," mask suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something.

smiling to mask his discontent

When is cloak a more appropriate choice than mask?

Although the words cloak and mask have much in common, cloak suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention.

cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy

When can disguise be used instead of mask?

The words disguise and mask can be used in similar contexts, but disguise implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity.

disguised herself as a peasant

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of mask
Noun
The Eagles benefitted from short fields, covering 52 yards on their first touchdown drive after Harrison Butker missed a field-goal attempt, and 59 on their next, after a Patrick Mahomes interception and face-mask penalty pushed them quickly into KC territory. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2025 Stein has been critical of the nation’s response to Covid-19, including mask mandates and business closures. Katherine Dillinger, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
The back of his head and shoulders are additionally covered by the shade, masking his appearance even more. Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025 Hoffman makes Ari all zingers and bluster, clearly masking an internal roiling in his brain, while Feldman has mastered the tightly wound nerd. Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mask
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mask
Noun
  • The costumes were the perfect nondescript counterpoint to Lamar’s trend-launching look.
    Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
  • There will be trick-or-treating for kids through downtown shops and Halloween costume parties for adults throughout island establishments in the evening.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The above-and-beyond production design and costumes are filled with both period-appropriate lushness and totally idiosyncratic touches, like sarcophagi that showcase the naked faces of the dead and several flowing gowns that resemble full-length veils.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The thoughtful musings of eleven museum workers (curators, guards, and other staff) are woven together by Calle to create a fluid narrative on silkscreen embroidered on veil.
    Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Was Barron there, but just really good at disguising his six-foot-seven frame?
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Try bicycles for more exercise disguised as fun, then saunter over to Spa La Quinta’s 23,000 square feet of bliss.
    Jenny Peters, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Responding to Immigration and Customs Enforcement Senate Bill 627 would prohibit law enforcement on the local, state and federal level from wearing masks that conceal their identity in the course of duty.
    Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • There are three other food and beverage venues, including El Secreto, a hidden salon and bar, quietly concealed behind an unmarked door on the hotel’s second floor, and La Cava, the adjacent emerald-toned jewel that is Faena’s wine cellar, an intimate setting for unforgettable private gatherings.
    Devorah Lev-Tov, AFAR Media, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • While Sinner only survived by the skin of his teeth at SW19 after Grigor Dimitrov retired hurt at two sets up in their last 16 clash, Alcaraz has been wearing an invincibility cloak for the 15 days of the main draw at Flushing Meadows.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Bats don’t just sneak under the cloak of night, evading the human eye.
    Calista Oetama, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Defense camouflaging more blemishes than Revlon.
    Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 7 Sep. 2025
  • All these possibilities can camouflage fences in the background.
    Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And now there’s another reason users may click to hide — dynamic pricing.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • And best of all, the mirror distracts guests from registering that there’s a coat hanger hiding ‘round back.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Moraes developed computer models to simulate draping a sheet on both a 3D human form and a bas-relief carving to test which version most closely matched the figure preserved in the shroud.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Next, unwrap your headless body from its shroud.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 27 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mask.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mask. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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