disguise

verb

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dis·guise | \ də-ˈskīz

, dis-ˈgīz also diz- \

disguised; disguising

Definition of disguise

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to change the customary dress (see dress entry 2 sense 1) or appearance of disguised herself in a wig and glasses

b : to furnish with a false appearance or an assumed (see assume sense 3) identity disguised as a beggar

2 obsolete : disfigure

3 : to obscure the existence or true state or character of : conceal unable to disguise his true feelings

disguise

noun

Definition of disguise (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : apparel assumed to conceal one's identity or counterfeit another's The bank robber was wearing a disguise.

2 : the act of disguising

3a : form misrepresenting the true nature of something blessings in disguise

b : an artificial manner : pretense threw off all disguise

Other Words from disguise Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Phrases Containing disguise Learn More About disguise

Other Words from disguise

Verb

disguisedly \ də-ˈskīz(-ə)d-lē

, dis-ˈgīz(-ə)d- also diz- \ adverb

disguisement \ də-ˈskīz-mənt

, dis-ˈgīz- also diz- \ noun

disguiser noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for disguise

Synonyms: Verb

Synonyms: Noun

Antonyms: Verb

unmask

Choose the Right Synonym for disguise

Verb

disguise, cloak, mask mean to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature. disguise implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity. disguised herself as a peasant cloak suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention. cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy mask suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something. smiling to mask his discontent

Examples of disguise in a Sentence

Verb He tried to disguise his voice on the phone but I could tell it was him. She disguised herself in a wig and glasses. We disguised the fact that we were disappointed. Noun He wore a disguise of glasses, a fake mustache, and a cap. The famous thief is known to be a master of disguise.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb But according to Anthony Rose, the prominence given to milestone funding events can disguise the fact that businesses often need finance not in six or twelve months' time but within a much shorter timeframe. — Trevor Clawson, Forbes, 15 June 2022 But, according to the former employee, the formatters did not notify law enforcement, ostensibly because many uploaders use virtual private networks to disguise their identities and locations, which could cause the police to target the wrong person. — Sheelah Kolhatkar, The New Yorker, 13 June 2022 That's a big change that helps disguise them from our immune system. — Brenda Goodman, CNN, 1 June 2022 Think about it this way: White supremacists used to disguise themselves in white robes and secretly meet under the cover of night. — Brian Stelter, CNN, 15 May 2022 Gardner and the teenager, who police have not named, were arrested after fleeing the scene on foot — and trying to disguise themselves as employees of the popular seafood restaurant. — Lea Skene, Baltimore Sun, 5 May 2022 This happens when leaders are fearful of how feedback or commentary will be received and seek to disguise it rather than being forthright. — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 25 Apr. 2022 Gacy also attempted to disguise himself as a family man in his community. — Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 21 Apr. 2022 Bulwer-Lytton’s estranged, unhinged wife, Rosina, promised to disguise herself as an orange seller and hurl rotten eggs at the audience, an especially horrendous prospect given that Queen Victoria and Albert would be attending. — Katherine A. Powers, WSJ, 4 Mar. 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The seemingly benevolent Annatar turns out to be Sauron in disguise, and his manipulation of Celebrimbor kickstarts a violent power struggle that lasts for thousands of years. — Christian Holub, EW.com, 14 June 2022 Keeping her at home felt like the safest and most convenient option, a cost-saving blessing in disguise even. — USA Today, 9 June 2022 They were met with the Black Act of 1723, which introduced the death penalty for more than fifty offenses, including going in disguise. — Eula Biss, The New Yorker, 8 June 2022 Gloria, always a bit of a conspiracy theorist, becomes convinced that TK is Ashley in disguise, and digs for proof begins with the reluctant help of Wickie. — Wilson Chapman, Variety, 19 May 2022 However, this served as a blessing in disguise as more operational attention could shift towards other company divisions: tea, coffee, and chocolate distribution. — Stephan Rabimov, Forbes, 19 May 2022 It is often said that challenges are opportunities in disguise. — Saeed Elnaj, Forbes, 17 May 2022 Gowdy seemed to understand the Occupiers as recreational campers in disguise; their politics were a cover story for a good time, and taxpayers were footing the bill. — Dan Piepenbring, The New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2022 Some stories creep up in disguise, hiding a ghastly scowl. — Naveen Kumar, Variety, 17 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'disguise.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.