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 disguise — which is pretty effective, even with formative generative AI modes — was only revealed about 15 minutes into the film, a neat bit of storytelling that highlighted the power of deepfakery. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026 Former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia brought NFL disguises to an Ohio State defense that could have three defenders picked in the top 10 in this year’s draft. Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
Discrimination disguised as protection should not determine who can vote. Delmarie Alicea, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026 Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson said that Tarasenko’s ability to disguise and adjust his launching of the puck is his greatest skill. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 21 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disguise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disguise
Noun
  • And in 1929 Chanel designed costumes for Apollon Musagète dancers, whose tunics were belted with Charvet ties.
    Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 24 Mar. 2026
  • One can already picture her van packed to the brim with trampolines, inflatable dolphins, pig masks, Pierrot-esque clown costumes, and one of those rainbow parachutes from elementary school gym class.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Department of the Treasury last Thursday designated Hayat Yolu as a key player in a covert global network that uses the guise of humanitarian aid to raise money overseas.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026
  • But sometimes the squashing of speech can appear in other guises.
    Andrea Valdez, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Segel makes Dan a bitterly perceptive geek, out of his depth but eager to prove himself, while Weaving invests Lisa with a snappishness that only camouflages her pain.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Hanson, who spends much of his life crawling through underbrush to count trees, plunged ahead into stands of chest-high ceanothus, pointing out sequoias camouflaged in the pervasive post-fire brush.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • People who dislike Minnelli’s singing maintain that her outer bombast conceals an inner void.
    Matt Weinstock, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026
  • In the time between his fleeing and capture, authorities say he was indicted by a DeKalb County grand jury for allegedly helping conceal the death of Anthony Woodland.
    Dan Raby, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Some, like in Greece, even wear masks.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The man, later identified as Rodgers, wore a mask had appeared alongside conservative influencer Alex Stein.
    Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Don’t mistake the play’s opening facade for what is in fact an intricate and multi-layered performance work.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Behind this façade, a sandy path leads to a dense network of row houses.
    Taran Khan, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Controversial school policies hiding students’ gender transitions from parents remains a ripe issue the Supreme Court should take up, activists argue, despite the justices already handing parents a win in an emergency docket case on the matter earlier this month.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2026
  • But her lover, the increasingly controlling and unhinged army corporal Don José, is gradually dimished to lurking in the shadows and hiding in crowds.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Light pollution can obscure a comet’s glow, so use a light pollution map, or consider dark-sky getaways like the Oregon Outback or Big Bend, to enhance the show.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Outside, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Frankly, it’s been hard to keep up—and the BlackRock CEO wrote that the drama and uncertainty threatened by day-to-day headlines may be obscuring longer-term trends.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disguise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disguise. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.

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