mask 1 of 2

Definition of masknext
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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mask

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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

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
Step five encourages the use of bond repair treatments as needed, while step six emphasizes the importance of conditioning products, such as a gloss or mask. Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 5 Apr. 2026 Only 30 people were allowed at the funeral, and the queen sat alone at the church, wearing a mask. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
The poison, usually found in antifreeze, deicing fluid and hydraulic brake fluid, has a sweet taste that was masked by the drink, prosecutors said. Penny Kmitt, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026 Cats are adept at masking illness, a trait inherited from their wild ancestors where showing weakness could be fatal. New Atlas, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mask
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mask
Noun
  • Additionally, Sony is winding down its costume rental business which the studio has run for more than a century, since 1924.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Per the script, the character of Lori is supposed to enter wearing a Mianus U shirt — yes, Mianus is a real place in Connecticut — and the costume department has put her in a sexy crop top instead.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The veil between character and self has frayed — bad behavior, even onstage, carries a frisson of shameful unease.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2026
  • The 16-foot silk tulle veil was held in place by the Queen Mary's diamond bandeau tiara.
    Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Cami launched into her conundrum while Ember half listened, nodding often to disguise her own distraction.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Li is suspected of involvement in offenses including operating gambling dens, fraud, unlawful business operations and concealing and disguising the proceeds of crime, China’s state news agency Xinhua reported, citing Beijing’s Ministry of Public Security.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Daisy struggles to conceal her emotions, having been able to express them freely in Canada.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Cargo planes flew in three small helicopters and assembled them near the patch of mountains where the missing airman was concealing himself inside a cave or crevice.
    Jonathan J. Cooper, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There's a good chance of seeing the endangered mourning cloak butterfly in early spring.
    Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2026
  • While scientists have long understood the importance of this cloak, one aspect of its biology has remained deeply puzzling.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Gray ships were easily seen in profile against the sky and horizon by U-boat periscopes—was there a better color to paint them to help camouflage them from attack?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Gray ships were easily seen in profile against the sky and horizon by U-boat periscopes — was there a better color to paint them to help camouflage them from attack?
    Kory Stamper, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Senior Assistant County Attorney Bryan Schmid argued in court filings that Scott failed to show the law is unconstitutional and suggested that Scott could create his website and post his videos with redactions to hide the personal information in the clips.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Check and uncheck the boxes next each candidate to show/hide their responses.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The 39 members of the group were discovered lying on their backs and covered by purple shrouds.
    Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Mar. 2026
  • He had been released by the Philadelphia Phillies in February amid a shroud of controversy regarding his relationship with manager Rob Thomson and others in the organization.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mask.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mask. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

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