disguise 1 of 4

Definition of disguisenext

disguise

2 of 4

verb (1)

disguised

3 of 4

adjective

disguised

4 of 4

verb (2)

past tense of disguise

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
Adjective
We are all used to watching documentaries in which silhouetted, pixelated, or disguised contributors divulge their experiences. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026 But with consumers already starting to cut back on spending, businesses may have a harder time getting such disguised changes past consumers. Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
Mitchell’s greatest achievement was persuading Congress that effects — not intent — must be the legal standard, because intent can always be disguised. Alvin C. Hathaway Sr, Baltimore Sun, 4 May 2026 Creasy and Poe are disguised as doctors, Ivan is dressed as janitorial staff and Melo, Vico and Livro are posing as ambulance drivers. Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 2 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
  • Turner sold his business to Time Warner in 1996 and his operation has continued in one guise or another since then.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 May 2026
  • Farage has been through various guises.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • None of this would’ve been possible without Lively and Baldoni, adversaries whose spite and resources compelled them to continue to pursue litigation when just about everyone else in their positions would have quickly settled in the cloaked realm of arbitration.
    Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Ironically, the cloaked and armored marble statue of the goddess was found face down in the rubble near the outer wall of the stage.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Assessment in the Canary Islands The passengers were seen wearing blue protective clothing and masks aboard smaller boats transporting them from the cruise ship to shore.
    Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
  • The mask is also designed to sit around the eyes rather than press on them.
    Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 10 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
Adjective
  • Former Prince Andrew is reportedly fearing for his safety after being approached by a masked man near his home in Norfolk, England.
    Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 11 May 2026
  • Her home surveillance camera captured a masked man outside her door.
    Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • Berry, wearing camouflage, was last seen near River Trace Road.
    Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 6 May 2026
  • He was captured by a trail camera wearing camouflage clothing, the sheriff's office said.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • Earlier this month, the Kremlin announced that this year’s Victory Day parade, held every May 9th in Red Square to commemorate the Soviet victory in the Second World War, which is typically a show of Russian might, would be a modest, small-scale affair.
    Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
  • Related Stories Original stars of the show were in short supply, with several key cast members having passed on — including Paul Reubens, who died three years ago, and Phil Hartman and Lynne Marie Stewart, who died in 1998 and 2025, respectively.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 7 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disguise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disguise. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

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