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

Body cameras don’t guarantee DHS will share evidence, nor would unmasking make ICE agents feel constrained. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026

Law enforcement experts said the video represents the first big lead in the case but that unmasking the person will be a challenge. —Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026

County leaders are also weighing a call on all officers, including ICE, to police unmasked. —Sofi Zeman february 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Feb. 2026

Trapped by a storm with a ballroom full of suspects, Hannah must sift through secrets, scandals, and sparkling masks to unmask a killer before the night ends. —Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 4 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