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 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 The wokes who hate capitalism see this charade as Meg selling out for a paycheck. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 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
  • Everything else is pretense; the diplomat is pretense; the Hand of the King, there’s a level of pretense; Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, there’s a level of pretense.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 20 July 2026
  • When Moore finally abandons the pretense and focuses in earnest on his presidential ambitions, the damage to Maryland will be incalculable and likely irreparable.
    — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2026
Definition of pretense
Noun
  • Sporting a classic, seemingly untouched facade, the old building was a sight to behold for both of us.
    — Raj Tawney, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
  • Leandro Erlich, Bâtiment, 2004, a building facade laid flat beneath a mirror suspended at a 45-degree angle, 930 x 806 x 1445 cm.
    — Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of facade
Noun
  • The ability to walk from your bed to the sand and stare at the sea is the star of the show here.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • The eatery was even named the best restaurant in North Carolina featured on the show by Tasting Table earlier this year.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Definition of show
Noun
  • 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
  • Everything from the division of the Peaches and the Plums to Shamea’s tagline this season is a secret cry from Shamea to Porsha, begging for attention under the guise of her own emancipation.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 29 June 2026
Definition of guise
Noun
  • David Lee Roth joined the list of acts calling off the remainder of their dates this week.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 25 July 2026
  • Cuddly serial killer comic book Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees is heading into its final bloody act.
    — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2026
Definition of act
Noun
  • John Waters strikes a pose at the 2026 Mosswood Meltdown in Oakland, California on July 19.
    — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
  • Users can explore featuring different models, poses, backgrounds and visual directions.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 20 July 2026
Definition of pose
Noun
  • 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
  • The yearly convention includes panel discussions, movie and television showings, an exhibitor hall, outdoor activations, a masquerade ball and more.
    — Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 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 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on charade

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about charade

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