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 reveal drew gasps from the judges, with Robin Thicke and Ken Jeong both shocked by Method Man’s commitment to the disguise. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 3 Apr. 2025 Besides, the moment Scooby started talking and wearing elaborate disguises, all bets were off. James Mercadante, EW.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
The largest deviation is depicting Jumba and Pleakley as primarily disguised in human form, morphing early on from the alien entities that they’re seen as in the original. Brandon Yu, New York Times, 20 May 2025 An 8-foot alligator was discovered perfectly disguised in the mud along a southwest Florida hiking trail, and photos of the startling sight have rattled social media. Mark Price, Miami Herald, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for disguise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disguise
Noun
  • His journey from Bollywood costume designer to global fashion icon represents the arrival of Indian fashion as an undeniable force on the world stage.
    Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • Holly Waddington, the Oscar-winning costume designer for Poor Things, is also onboard to do the wardrobe for this new generation of witches and wizards.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • The show’s divergence here is enormous, first by grounding Tommy in Jackson rather than as the leader of the violent excursion and secondly removing any guise about Ellie’s intentions.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 5 May 2025
  • The kit is being sold under the ridiculous guise of an educational tool.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • However, contrary to the impression given by the headlines, ESG is still in the game, albeit more camouflaged than in the past, quite often, as predicted some years back by Aswath Damodaran, ...
    Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, 20 May 2025
  • The benefit of hindsight, however, camouflages the prevailing circumstances when Enciso was loaned out.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Then, a sliding mechanism was discreetly integrated to allow for a television and soundbar to be concealed behind the panels.
    Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • But that average conceals more-vulnerable pockets in the state: in two counties, one-quarter of children didn’t have their shots, and in eight schools, less than half did.
    Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • If possible, work outside and wear a mask and gloves.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 May 2025
  • To keep the cub from forming bonds with people that could jeopardize his return to the wild, staff members charged with his care are dressing up in bear costumes, including a mask, fur coat and leather gloves.
    Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • For the past two years, a prototype facade has been in use on a greenhouse in the University of Freiburg's Botanical Garden, in the state of Baden-Württemberg.
    Ben Coxworth May 23, New Atlas, 23 May 2025
  • When a simple mistake turns into a fatal error for one of his patients, Sam tries to bury the truth under a facade of perfection, knowing that a lifetime of deceit is about to be exposed.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • At 19, Johnson married his wife Daphne and initially, was able to hide his drug use from her, the Johnson's clemency petition said.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Enhanced measurement capabilities: Amazon continues investing in Amazon Marketing Cloud with new UI templates and simplified queries, suggesting a commitment to transparency rather than hiding attribution.
    Kiri Masters, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Elite’s arrangement with Prime, as a private corporation, obscures details of how millions of its public school dollars are ultimately spent.
    Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
  • The simple stories of great inventors obscure the fact that technological innovations often have many parents.
    Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disguise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disguise. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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