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
Carlie Procell, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
The Shondaland series continues to follow bohemian second son Benedict Bridgerton, whose search for love was set in motion during Part 1 after he became entranced by a mysterious Lady in Silver at his mother’s masquerade ball.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Kara Nesvig, Parents, 24 Feb. 2026
Paul had no patience for cynicism masquerading as wisdom.
—Chelsea Clinton, Vanity Fair, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for masquerade
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Noun
Krewes are also known for hosting formal and exclusive masquerade balls.
—Carlie Procell, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
The Shondaland series continues to follow bohemian second son Benedict Bridgerton, whose search for love was set in motion during Part 1 after he became entranced by a mysterious Lady in Silver at his mother’s masquerade ball.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
Kudos Bars Kudos Bars were really just candy bars masquerading as granola bars, often covered with M&Ms or Snickers bits.
—Kara Nesvig, Parents, 24 Feb. 2026
Paul had no patience for cynicism masquerading as wisdom.
—Chelsea Clinton, Vanity Fair, 24 Feb. 2026
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 Feb. 2026.
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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