dissimulation

noun

dis·​simulation də How to pronounce dissimulation (audio)
(¦)di+
Synonyms of dissimulationnext
: the act of dissembling or the fact of being dissembled
some of these may recognize themselves in these pages … but I believe that I have been careful enough in dissimulation that they will not be recognized by othersJ. A. Pike
: false pretense
try to keep my detachment from becoming so complete a lie that I myself am deceived by it … but one thing can be gained by dissimulation, and that is an increment in dignityIsaac Rosenfeld

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dissimulacioun, from Middle French dissimulation, from Latin dissimulation-, dissimulatio, from dissimulatus + -ion-, -io -ion

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Cite this Entry

“Dissimulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissimulation. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.

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