DISGUISE Synonyms: 155 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

disguise 1 of 2

noun

Definition of disguise

as in costume

clothing put on to hide one's true identity or imitate someone or something else Mardi Gras revelers dressed in a colorful array of outlandish disguises

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in guise

a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive somehow, he managed to put on a disguise of happiness as he watched his secret crush marry someone else

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

disguise

2 of 2

verb

də-ˈskīz

as in to camouflage

to change the dress or looks of so as to conceal true identity the spies disguised themselves as harmless tourists

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to conceal

to keep secret or shut off from view that investigative reporter usually does a good job of disguising her true motives for interviewing a person

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Security cameras filmed the suspect scouting the area several times beforehand, wearing the same masculine disguise worn on the night of the attack. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 Now, teens are using disguises to bypass both the law and parental monitoring, leaving parents with less control than before the legislation. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Verb

That should not prevent you from using it as a potted plant to disguise a fence; its twining stems will grow 3 to 10 feet long just like an in-ground plant. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 9 July 2026 Micromanagement is often anxiety or insecurity disguised as management. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for disguise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disguise

Noun

And both the immune and eliminated designers are high on their own power; Elizabeth, in particular, is acting mighty haughty for a woman whose ruffled scarlet satin dress looks like a reject from the Westworld costume department.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 July 2026
From viral costumes to repair parts, a skeleton subculture is booming.

— Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Definition of costume

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

Verb

Over decades, the tides shift surrounding sand while marine life, like algae, grows over the device, camouflaging it into the natural ocean environment.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
It can be used as a concealer, contour, or foundation, has medium coverage, is pore-blurring, texture-smoothing, and imperfection-camouflaging.

— Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 26 June 2026

Definition of camouflage

Verb

Missiles and launch vehicles can remain concealed until they are needed, limiting the time during which they are exposed to satellites, aircraft, and drones.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
Even its bridal jewelry retains an element of discretion, including a small gold heart concealed inside certain bands and positioned close to the wearer.

— Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 14 July 2026

Definition of conceal

Noun

That Masked Man Having worn a black mask in previous games to protect a broken nose, LeBron was forced to switch to a clear mask for a March 3, 2014 game against the Charlotte Bobcats.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026
The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is $110 off, while this red light therapy mask — a skincare tool celebrities like Charlize Theron praise — is $80 off.

— Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026

Definition of mask

Noun

Cabins open to terraces overlooking the surrounding pines and exude a Wes Anderson summer camp vibe, with touches of industrial-style metal punctuating the wooden facades.

— Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2026
The façade is the showpiece, but those oversize windows don’t hurt.

— Nora DeLigter, Curbed, 17 July 2026

Definition of facade

Verb

What was the thinking behind hiding this information up until the finale?

— Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 15 July 2026
For most of the past century, mathematicians have been exploring the limits of Ramsey theory, the study of order hiding inside chaos—or, more accurately, how much disorder can be packed into a system before order must inevitably emerge.

— Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 15 July 2026

Definition of hide

Verb

Gros Morne National Park combines relatively dark skies with the deepest eclipse in eastern North America, with nearly half of the sun obscured at maximum.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 19 July 2026
Severely nearsighted, Isul wore eyeglasses with thick plastic lenses, which obscured her lovely, small eyes.

— Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026

Definition of obscure

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disgruntling

disguise

disguised

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“Disguise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disguise. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of disguise

noun

verb

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