charade

noun

cha·​rade shə-ˈrād  -ˈräd 

1

: a word represented in riddling verse or by picture, tableau, or dramatic action (such as intrusion represented by depiction of inn, true, and shun)

2

charades plural : a game in which some of the players try to guess a word or phrase from the actions of another player who may not speak

3

: an empty or deceptive act or pretense

his concern was a charade

Synonyms of charade

• pretense
• facade
• show
• guise
• act
• pose
• masquerade

Examples of charade in a Sentence

We've grown tired of your charades.

put on a convincing charade to keep her from knowing about the surprise party

Recent Examples on the Web

Carr accused journalists of falling for the charade. —Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2026

That's why, in Perlman's view, what really differentiates humans is a wide-ranging capacity to generate novel symbols that communicate meaning—to basically play charades—in all kinds of ways. —Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 19 Feb. 2026

Elections become charades in a lot of autocratic countries. —Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026

That inward struggle made it to the surface because Glenn no longer bothers with charades. —Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Occitan charrado chat, from charrá to chat, chatter

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for charade

• afraid
• allayed
• arcade
• arrayed
• assayed
• barmaid
• betrayed
• blockade
• bridesmaid
• brigade
• brocade
• buffeted

Kids Definition

charade

noun

cha·​rade shə-ˈrād 

1

plural : a game in which some of the players try to guess a word or phrase from the actions of another player who may not speak

2

: an act that is meaningless or is meant to deceive