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
  • When night falls, another show begins with a dedicated corner of the estate designed for stargazing.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In the book, the star detailed her prolific and sometimes difficult career in show business; growing up under the harsh light of Hollywood; and the highs and lows of filming hit TV shows like Heroes and Nashville, and more.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of show
Noun
  • Volkswagen refers to the Cruise as a concept, but perhaps it will be shown in near-production guise.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Somewhere between a sandal and a ballet flat, caged silhouettes come in all manner of guises.
    — Sarah Leigh Bannerman, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 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
  • So go ahead, clear a spot in your living room, extend your arms and strike your best airplane pose — your future self will thank you.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • By moving familiar poses into the buoyant support of a pool, this gentler variation offers many of yoga's physical and mental benefits while also placing less stress on the body.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 18 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 25 Aug. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about charade

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