disguise 1 of 2

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 disguise may sound far-fetched, but the concept is drawn from a real-life stunt successfully executed by NFL great Eli Manning back in 2022. Jp Mangalindan, Time, 30 Sep. 2025 Trick-or-treaters and other participants don outfits, wigs and accessories to show off their disguises for the event. Melina Khan, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
Ghostwatch is truly one of a kind, a ghost story disguised as a live news broadcast in which reporters chronicle a family supposedly being haunted by a poltergeist. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025 On multiple plays against the Jets, Joseph disguised a standard four-man rush by dropping an edge rusher into coverage as Strnad came flying from the weak side. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disguise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disguise
Noun
  • Hubert de Givenchy collaborated with costume designer Edith Head to bring Holly’s now-iconic black boatneck dress to life.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Roan’s costumes are as central a component to her stardom as her music.
    Katie Weisman, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Several actors donned the iconic guise of Ghostface in the Scream franchise, but one of the most intriguing is Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich) in the original film.
    Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
  • In this guise, Saverino is breathless with excitement.
    Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The island cabinetry’s mint color is mirrored in the adjacent dining room, where coffered jib doors camouflage a dry bar with funky wallpaper and a small desk space with additional shelving and storage.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025
  • This isn't Jeff Bridich asking Nolan Arenado to start waving pom-poms to camouflage the team's horrible pitching.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Prosecutors also alleged Friday that between December 2024 and September 2025, Blain destroyed or concealed city communications that were public records subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act.
    Susan Gill Vardon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Shoplifting over $100 by concealing.
    Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • An indictment of all Western Civilization for being a thin mask of civility and propriety failing to cover the ceaseless butchery beneath.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Rock has become a tirelessly vocal critic of many aspects of the pandemic, especially vaccine and mask mandates.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • On Monday, The Washington Post reported that his construction crews have begun demolishing the facade of the White House’s East Wing to build a ballroom.
    Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025
  • On Wednesday, the team announced the creation of a new way to evaluate the performance of photoactive materials for semi-transparent organic photovoltaics (ST-OPVs), which could transform how energy is harvested through everyday surfaces like windows, screens, and facades.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • She was hanged; her body thrown in the river and is often spotted wearing a green turban to hide her missing ear.
    Noreen Kompanik, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Hosts Robert Mays, Zena Keita and Jason Goff look past the recaps and highlights to find the extraordinary stories hiding in ordinary weeks by talking to players, coaches, and newsmakers from all corners of sports.
    J.J. Bailey, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Traditional narratives obscure the role slavery might have played in Texas’ drive for independence and portray the Alamo’s defenders as freedom fighters.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Breaking up or obscuring the reflection makes the glass visible to birds, preventing them from hitting your windows.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disguise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disguise. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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