mas·quer·ade
ˌma-skə-ˈrād 
1
a
: a social gathering of persons wearing masks and often fantastic costumes
b
: a costume for wear at such a gathering
2
: an action or appearance that is mere disguise or show
masqueraded; masquerading
1
a
: to disguise oneself
also
: to go about disguised
b
: to take part in a masquerade
2
: to assume the appearance of something one is not
masquerader
noun
Synonyms of masquerade
Examples of masquerade in a Sentence
Noun
She could not keep up the masquerade any longer.
although she was deeply bored, she maintained a masquerade of polite interest as her guest droned on
Verb
He was masquerading under a false name.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2025
Night 2 of Jeezy’s residency had a masquerade theme, with the star and his sprawling band of classical musicians — comprised of members of The Color of Noize Orchestra — performing a program of original music composed by Derrick Hodge with musical direction from Adam Blackstone.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 Nov. 2025
Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 Dec. 2025
To some of its critics, Common Core was a malicious plot masquerading as an innovation.
—Jonathan Zimmerman, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for masquerade
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Noun
At night, adults head to balcony parties, masquerade balls, and downtown bars for the whole experience.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2025
Night 2 of Jeezy’s residency had a masquerade theme, with the star and his sprawling band of classical musicians — comprised of members of The Color of Noize Orchestra — performing a program of original music composed by Derrick Hodge with musical direction from Adam Blackstone.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
There just aren’t that many comedies that aren’t also masquerading as something else.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 Dec. 2025
To some of its critics, Common Core was a malicious plot masquerading as an innovation.
—Jonathan Zimmerman, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for masquerade
Cite this Entry
“Masquerade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masquerade. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
masquerade
1 of 2 noun
mas·quer·ade
ˌmas-kə-ˈrād
1
: a party (as a dance) at which people wear masks and often fantastic costumes
2
: an action or appearance that is only a disguise or outward show : pose
masquerade
2 of 2 verb
masqueraded; masquerading
1
: to take part in a masquerade
2
: to assume the appearance of something one is not : pose
masquerader
noun
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