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

The silence of the G-20 declaration on this and other jihadi atrocities on the continent is a moral disgrace, revealing the gathering to be a heartless charade that history will judge harshly. —Paul Tilsley , Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 23 Nov. 2025

First, Nielsen ended the record-store charade by releasing SoundScan, which used point-of-sales data from cash registers in stores. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025

There are those who put on a charade not to defraud others, but to be recognized as important members of the society. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 9 Nov. 2025

Read the full story on this charade, which includes video. —Chris Branch, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

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