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

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 experts at the center fed and treated the animal in a way to prevent habituation or familiarity with humans, using coyote disguises and natural scents when in close proximity with her, officials said. Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026 In turn, some housing advocates insist that Vessel’s critics — especially in affluent suburbs with restrictive zoning — are merely practicing NIMBYism in disguise, conjuring up hypothetical or far-fetched traffic or groundwater threats to justify refusing zoning permits. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
These annual events are money grabs disguised as baseball, but our roster had college-worthy players who were receiving legitimate interest. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 8 May 2026 Dougherty also showed photos of the victims moments before the attack, Soliman disguised as a gardener near the scene and the scorch marks left behind after the attack. N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for disguise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disguise
Noun
  • My stylist, Roger Forker, has designed all my costumes for countless amounts of roasts.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 May 2026
  • So to then be there with 150 young men in that costume, singing and dancing, in itself was an extraordinary experience.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • Closing loopholes that allowed sometimes large apartment buildings in backyards under the guise of accessory dwelling units.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2026
  • Ménochet is a scary wonder as Marc, a great bear of a man who is chillingly adept at hiding his rage and possessiveness under the guise of a gentle, enlightened ascetic.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • The bongos are shy and can camouflage despite their distinct white stripes, and these attributes are critical for their survival in the wild.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 May 2026
  • Learn how to camouflage your trash cans to improve your home's curb appeal while still maintaining easy access to the bins.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • An ever-present veil would fail to conceal the wife’s all-consuming grief.
    Dan Barry, New York Times, 12 May 2026
  • It’s finished with a square back and concealed back zipper closure.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • Mini bars burst with silk eye covers, collagen masks, melatonin sprays and ear plugs, suggesting the bacchanalia Estelle encourages.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
  • Given its high transmissibility, infectious disease experts recommend that healthcare workers dealing with Ebola patients wear head coverings, as well as goggles, masks or face shields, gloves, gowns and even rubber boots.
    Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • Stay in a Former Warehouse Meantime, Gibson’s Warehouse is a boutique property with a history of its own, and one that dates to the early 1900s when this inn got its start as a warehouse with a brick façade.
    Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
  • This dual-purpose envelope combines functionality with expressive design, creating a facade that is both energy efficient and visually striking.
    Adam Williams May 13, New Atlas, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • That day, Riley had been editing a sequence in which Corvette sneaks into a San Francisco condo owned by Christie, her fashion idol, by hiding inside a coffee delivery cart.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • Bugs also tend to hide inside packaging, seams, or even the food itself.
    Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • The shoes appeared to have high block heels that were obscured by her wide-legged jeans.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
  • Coastal areas and islands may also have strong prospects, but the very low sun angle means even thin cloud layers near the horizon could obscure the eclipse.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disguise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disguise. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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