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

• act
• airs
• charade
• disguise
• facade
• façade
• front
• guise
• playacting
• pose
• pretense
• pretence
• put-on
• semblance
• show

Verb

• act
• impersonate
• personate
• play
• pose (as)

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

There was no room or need for drama at the animal masquerade ball though. —Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 June 2024

Each day, the convention will host a cosplay masquerade, giving guests a chance to show off their costumes. —Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2024

Verb

But our current political moment is characterized by violence masquerading as politics. —Jennifer Mercieca, TIME, 15 July 2024

Miller explains that these masquerading Mustangs tend to attract a younger crowd. —Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 13 July 2024

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

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