unmask

verb

un·​mask ˌən-ˈmask 

unmasked; unmasking; unmasks

transitive verb

1

: to reveal the true nature of : expose

She was unmasked as a spy.

2

: to remove a mask from

intransitive verb

: to remove one's mask

Synonyms of unmask

• reveal
• disclose
• discover
• uncover
• expose
• tell

Examples of unmask in a Sentence

He was unmasked as a spy.

the killer's identity won't be unmasked until the season's final episode

Recent Examples on the Web

What's more clear is the administration's use of administrative subpoenas, sent to tech companies like Google or Meta, demanding personal information to unmask anonymous accounts. —Meg Anderson, NPR, 4 Mar. 2026

Schumer’s demands for unmasking ICE, requiring body cams and proper ID and judicial warrants before Democrats will vote for DHS funding now look quaint. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026

Common Council members ultimately hope to require any law enforcement officers interacting with Milwaukee residents to be unmasked and wear visible identification. —Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 2 Mar. 2026

Besides, each unmasking is stupid and anticlimactic in its own way. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for unmask

• subtask
• ask
• bask
• basque
• cask
• casque
• flask
• mask
• masque
• pasch
• task

Kids Definition

unmask

verb

un·​mask ˌən-ˈmask 

ˈən-

: to strip of a mask or a disguise : expose

unmask a traitor