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

In this book, ordinary-seeming women unmask themselves as grotesquely evil witches. — Liz Rosenberg, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026

This season, there’s a lot of visual references to unmasking and peeling back the layers of the face Chad put on in Season 1. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Federal agents should be unmasked, identify themselves, and have probable cause or a judicial warrant. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Plenty of killers have been unmasked over the years, and the bodies have piled up in increasingly inventive ways. — Scott Shilstone, Deadline, 7 Oct. 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