disguise 1 of 2

Definition of disguisenext

disguise

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disguise differ from other similar words?

The words cloak and mask are common synonyms of disguise. While all three words mean "to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature," disguise implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity.

disguised herself as a peasant

When is cloak a more appropriate choice than disguise?

The words cloak and disguise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cloak suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention.

cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy

When might mask be a better fit than disguise?

The synonyms mask and disguise are sometimes interchangeable, but mask suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something.

smiling to mask his discontent

How does the verb disguise differ from other similar words?

The words cloak and mask are common synonyms of disguise. While all three words mean "to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature," disguise implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity.

disguised herself as a peasant

When is cloak a more appropriate choice than disguise?

The words cloak and disguise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cloak suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention.

cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy

When might mask be a better fit than disguise?

The synonyms mask and disguise are sometimes interchangeable, but mask suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something.

smiling to mask his discontent

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 disguise
Noun
The game often involves disguises and toy water guns, which can be mistaken for real threats by bystanders or law enforcement. Jazmin Towe, Parents, 12 Apr. 2026 Fernández Revuelta escaped Cuba in 1993 with the aid of a disguise and forged identity papers. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
Cyr said the cameras were disguised as a Bluetooth speaker and an air purifier. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 15 Apr. 2026 In all, Grant said about 94-95% of the lease revenue on DC Solar’s books were intercompany transfers disguised as new investor money. Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disguise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disguise
Noun
  • In one scene, he was seen holding a stack of newspapers while standing near a newsstand, surrounded by extras in full period costume.
    Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Ubwdu Lace Ballet Sneakers These sneakers feel like a subtle nod to the balletcore trend without going full costume.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Then, in the late nineteenth century, the mandolin experienced a second flowering, albeit in a different guise.
    Tim Parks, New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2026
  • These projects reveal the evil lurking underneath the guises of killers who were so often hiding in plain sight.
    Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • There is even a small cabinet positioned right above the washing machine, which keeps laundry detergent accessible while camouflaging the plastic bottle.
    Lindsey Mather, Architectural Digest, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Gray ships were easily seen in profile against the sky and horizon by U-boat periscopes—was there a better color to paint them to help camouflage them from attack?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The plots of these shows usually center on a murder, which occurs not so much to end a human life as to inconvenience our star, who must postpone a brunch or a media event to conceal an inconvenient corpse.
    Libby Gelman-Waxner, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2026
  • More than a half-dozen sources close to Zaslav say that the CEO has barely concealed his frustration at being boxed into selling the company by the aggressive overtures of Paramount Skydance chief David Ellison last fall and winter.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Then on Thursday in Granada Hills, about nine miles to the northwest, came a report of three men, wearing masks and black clothing, having broken into a home in the 11900 block of Wood Ranch Road.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Eventually, people could not resist returning to their lives, to routines more comfortable than standing in the streets with the sun glaring in your eyes, squinting up to check the position of snipers on a roof, or working with cramping fingers sewing your tenth mask of the night.
    Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Scandals and secrets will be revealed, facades will crumble, and families and friendships will change forever on both sides of the battlefield as this group of strong, game-changing influencers comes together to build their answer to #MomTok.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The family room offers three walls of windows, a fireplace with an authentic late-1800s cast-iron facade, granite mantel and a polished nickel and crystal drum chandelier.
    Saleema Syed, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Neither made any attempt to hide their contempt for the other from the media or the public.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Unlike other bands who have used a hiatus as an excuse to hide acrimony, James says the members went their separate ways with zero animosity.
    Daniel Kohn, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • While filmmakers acknowledge the historic momentum of their national cinema on the international stage, many have voiced concern that the sense of victory might obscure the very real issues still permeating the industry.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
  • These misconceptions obscure Zionism’s essential truth.
    Elad Strohmayer, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disguise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disguise. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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