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
Melodee was last seen October 9 Buzzard went on a road trip with her 9-year-old daughter on October 7, when surveillance footage captured the girl at a local car rental agency dressed in what seemed to be a disguise, authorities said. Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 23 Dec. 2025 In the South Tyrol in December, demonic Krampuses—neighbors in elaborate, blood-curdling disguise—run through the streets. Veronique Greenwood, Time, 21 Dec. 2025
Verb
The team plans to add a special drink with an espresso shot on top to disguise the alcohol underneath. Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2026 As loyalty and conformity often disguised as anticommunism suppressed the fervency for civil rights that punctuated the war years, Du Bois’s conflict increased in intensity for a Black America expecting an improved quality of life in peacetime. Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disguise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disguise
Noun
  • The girls seemed to be having a great time during these performances, interacting with fans by reacting to their costumes and signs, and creating a Candybong wave.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The musical sequel had scored eight longlist mentions including in acting categories, score and sound, but today only heard its name called in costume and hair and makeup.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Skechers shoes boast a low-profile silhouette, plus a slip-on design despite their lace-up guise.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 18 Jan. 2026
  • In a partial charade guise arranged by Mike Cristaldi, the team’s vice president of communications, and his longtime TV partner Eric Collins, Curry was the victim of a gotcha moment.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • As a further step to camouflage the design, Cadillac’s livery will feature a vertical geometric pattern in a gloss and matte finish.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
  • The tint is sheer and subtle but makes a noticeable difference in evening out skin tone and camouflaging discoloration.
    Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • On Monday, a jury found Townsend guilty of endangerment and concealing a homicide, but the murderer is still out there.
    Jermont Terry, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
  • According to the Justice Department, members allegedly hacked into ATMs and forced machines to dispense cash by deploying a malware variant known as Ploutus, which was designed to delete evidence of its presence in an effort to conceal the crime.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Taylor stepped out yesterday evening for the New York premiere of The Rip, wearing a sheer black dress with an ultra-high neckline and mask-like sheath across her face by Ashi Studio.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2026
  • The complaint says King returned to the apartment the next day, wearing a mask and again asking about Toney.
    Tom Olsen, Twin Cities, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Trumpism does not hide behind the facade of something high.
    Ezra Klein, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Don’t be fooled by the dull façade of their authority.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Didn't seem to be hiding anything.
    Sarah Prior, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
  • But hiding behind this benign climate state was all that titanic power flowing through the climate system.
    Adam Frank, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Unsheltered homelessness decreased by 45% between 2023 and 2025, according to those year’s counts, but advocates for homeless people say cold-weather shelters and other factors can obscure the figures.
    Jon Murray, Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Law enforcement tracked license plate readers until the Mercedes-Benz’s plate was not obscured and found that the car was registered to Lu, according to a criminal complaint.
    Sierra van der Brug, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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