mask 1 of 2

1
as in costume
a cover or partial cover for the face used to disguise oneself an elaborate mask that would be suitable for a fancy masquerade ball

Synonyms & Similar Words

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mask

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb mask differ from other similar words?

The words cloak and disguise are common synonyms of mask. While all three words mean "to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature," mask suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something.

smiling to mask his discontent

When is cloak a more appropriate choice than mask?

Although the words cloak and mask have much in common, cloak suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention.

cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy

When can disguise be used instead of mask?

The words disguise and mask can be used in similar contexts, but disguise implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity.

disguised herself as a peasant

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of mask
Noun
Many conditioners, masks, and repair products list peptides on the label, but these are formulated for the strand itself, not the follicle. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2025 Mark Ruffalo stars as veteran FBI agent Tom Brandis, who’s assigned to lead a task force to catch a gang of low-level crooks who’ve been putting on Halloween masks and ripping off local drug dealers, in a scheme reminiscent of Apple TV+’s recent Dope Thief. Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
No amount of mugging before the cameras in Tianjin could mask the comedown this represents. Bobby Ghosh, Time, 2 Sep. 2025 Linebacker Tre Johnson led Davidson with six tackles, but individual efforts couldn’t mask systematic failures. Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mask
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mask
Noun
  • With just three weeks to pull it all together, Bella spent countless hours working on the set, costumes and props.
    Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 30 Aug. 2025
  • The Public Theater’s productions are known for their creative staging, modern costumes, and diverse casts, making each show accessible and engaging.
    Emma Caldwell, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The look actually consists of two pieces–an embellished bustier and skirt, featuring another sweetheart neckline and accessorized with a birdcage veil in front and a cathedral length veil in the back.
    Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Herron was then shown in her gown and veil in front of a large mountain.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Norton has a proprietary protocol called Mimic that aims to bypass VPN-blocking technologies by disguising traffic as standard HTTPS.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 3 Sep. 2025
  • According to the post, explosives in liquid form can be disguised as everyday products.
    Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This version is finished with a straight point collar, short sleeves, and concealed side pockets.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • After Demeir had gone to his room for a nap, prosecutors said Bell concealed her purse in the boy’s room, went to take a shower, according to the prosecution’s proffer.
    William Lee, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Bats don’t just sneak under the cloak of night, evading the human eye.
    Calista Oetama, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • While other fixers prefer to operate in the shadows and keep as low a profile as possible, Miguel believes his visibility, even his celebrity, acts as a sort of cloak of protection.
    Jesse Hyde, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • For older water stains or for camouflaging other stains, Mock advises following a process that aims to blend the stain with the surrounding area, as lifting the stain entirely isn’t possible without discoloring the leather.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Even more sinister, however, is a modern eugenics movement camouflaged by in vitro fertilization (IVF).
    Tania Fabo, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Labubu blind boxes, which hide the exact content of the package until the customer opens it, sometimes revealing an especially rare item in a series, will be made available for purchase through the website's Pop Now feature.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Having a child that feels comfortable enough to ask me to wanna go instead of hiding things from me?
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Moraes developed computer models to simulate draping a sheet on both a 3D human form and a bas-relief carving to test which version most closely matched the figure preserved in the shroud.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Next, unwrap your headless body from its shroud.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 27 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mask.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mask. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

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