masquerade

1 of 2

noun

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

masquerade

2 of 2

verb

masqueraded; masquerading

intransitive verb

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

Noun

• facade
• pretense
• show
• guise
• pose
• act
• disguise
• charade

Verb

• pose (as)
• play
• mock

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

Noun

This can mitigate the risks from impersonation or masquerade attacks. —Morey Haber, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

Coin is known for his lavish events in the floating city, including a fantastical masquerade ball last October at the Palazzo Pisani Moretta. —Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 30 May 2025

Verb

Leads: Fuel With A Dashboard, Not a Fire Hose Handing someone 1,000 internet leads without a success rate is cruelty masquerading as generosity. —Daniel Ramsey, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025

Incidents of impostors masquerading as law enforcement have compounded the situation, along with rumors — so far unverified — that federal authorities have enlisted bounty hunters or private security contractors for immigration arrests. —Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle French, from Old Italian dialect mascarada, from Old Italian maschera mask

First Known Use

Noun

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for masquerade

• accolade
• ambuscade
• antegrade
• balustrade
• barricade
• cannonade
• cavalcade
• centigrade
• chambermaid
• colonnade
• countertrade
• disobeyed

Kids 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