charade

noun

shə-ˈrād How to pronounce charade (audio)
Definition of charadenext
as in pretense
a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive put on a convincing charade to keep her from knowing about the surprise party

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 charade Liam, once aimless and unhoused, quickly finds purpose in the charade as a husband and father. — Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 17 June 2026 One of the trip's funniest moments came during a game of Salad Bowl, a game that's a combination of charades and Catch Phrase. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026 What Scott wrote about UF’s presidential choice, former University of Alabama President Stuart Bell, applies to the entire political presidency charade. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 2026 Lots of people fell for the charade. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for charade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charade
  1. pretense
  2. facade
  3. show
  4. guise
  5. act
  6. pose
  7. masquerade
Noun
  • Every horror series at some point has to reset — to drop the pretense that the audience knows or remembers its world, its characters, and its rules, and to start anew with characters who need everything explained to them.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The food is stellar, as is the service, but there isn’t a shred of pretence about any of it.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of pretense
Noun
  • Built in 1939, the dwelling’s traditional facade, with gable dormers and white picket fencing, sets the tone for interiors by local design firm KKD that feel rustic and modern at once.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The team says the material could eventually be used in energy recovery ventilation, building facades, thermal comfort systems and other building applications.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of facade
Noun
  • In addition to Broadway, the show has played in nine countries across four continents since making its West End debut in 2019.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Early in the show, Styles thanked opening act Jamie XX and then took a moment to acknowledge a full-circle moment on this opening night.
    — Karla Cote, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of show
Noun
  • Throughout the weekend, Dudamel embraced the worlds of Hollywood, Latin music in many guises and old-fashioned rock.
    — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • With their traditional, legacy rivals — the Manchester clubs, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur — in various guises of transition, Arsenal are suddenly the team to beat and the Emirates is suddenly a library of sound; noise please.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of guise
Noun
  • In a courtroom three blocks away, attorney Michael Sanft was performing his own high-wire act.
    — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Just last week, the singer was tied with Maroon 5, as both acts had collected a milestone 15 leaders.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of act
Noun
  • Strike a pose in our free photobooth where looking hot enough to eat is highly encouraged.
    — Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The crowd points their phones at the pair, who are alternating between short dances, rhythmic movements, and striking poses.
    — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of pose
Noun
  • For Challenge 2 and beyond, the players get masquerade-ball half-masks on sticks, sans eyeholes, to use as blindfolds during challenge setups.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
  • But the maison will also have a trio of exclusive treatments on offer at Hotel Cipriani, which were crafted to honor Christian Dior’s love of masquerade balls and Venice.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 27 July 2026
Definition of masquerade

Browse Nearby Words

character sketches
charade
charades
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Cite this Entry

“Charade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charade. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on charade

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about charade

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