unmask

verb

un·​mask ˌən-ˈmask How to pronounce unmask (audio)
unmasked; unmasking; unmasks

transitive verb

1
: to reveal the true nature of : expose
2
: to remove a mask from

intransitive verb

: to remove one's mask

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The researchers also fine-tuned the unmasking step, which includes the transformation of a precursor molecule into the final product, to use mild conditions, further protecting the carbon ring. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025 Gudsen, unmasked earlier as one of the two serial arsonists she's been hunting, unbuckles her seat belt and wrenches the wheel, sending them into a crash designed to kill her. Jp Mangalindan, Time, 15 Aug. 2025 The debate has stumped some lawmakers, unsure about antifa’s physical framework, while spurring others to want to unmask these militants engaged in high-level, and sometimes large-scale, coordinated efforts. Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2025 By observing this other star centered on and blocked by the coronagraph and then off-center and unmasked, the researchers were able to model how its light flowed through JWST’s optics. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unmask

Word History

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of unmask was in 1562

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Cite this Entry

“Unmask.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unmask. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

unmask

verb
un·​mask ˌən-ˈmask How to pronounce unmask (audio)
ˈən-
: to strip of a mask or a disguise : expose
unmask a traitor

More from Merriam-Webster on unmask

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