Synonyms of mask

mask 1 of 2

noun

ˈmask 

1

as in costume

a cover or partial cover for the face used to disguise oneself

an elaborate mask that would be suitable for a fancy masquerade ball

Synonyms & Similar Words

• costume
• cloak
• veil
• camouflage
• disguise
• vizard
• hood
• visor
• guise
• vizor
• domino
• bill

2

as in veil

something that covers or conceals like a piece of cloth

his unexpected friendliness is just a mask, for he always has an ulterior motive

Synonyms & Similar Words

• veil
• cloak
• shroud
• wraps
• blanket
• robe
• curtain
• pall
• mantle
• hood
• covering
• cover
• cope
• shield
• cover-up
• coverture
• screen
• penumbra
• disguise
• camouflage
• blind
• face
• façade
• facade
• veneer
• concealer
• Trojan horse
• varnish
• fig leaf
• gloss
• Potemkin village

mask

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to disguise

to change the dress or looks of so as to conceal true identity

the federal agents masked their surveillance vehicle so that it looked like an ordinary moving van

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disguise
• camouflage
• conceal
• hide
• cloak
• simulate
• obscure
• cover
• dress up
• veil
• masquerade
• curtain
• pose
• assume
• screen
• affect
• shroud
• blot out
• pretend
• blanket
• play
• dissimulate
• occult
• enshroud
• feign
• sham
• counterfeit
• fake
• dissemble
• act
• varnish
• impersonate
• whitewash
• gloss (over)
• gild
• cosmeticize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unmask
• show
• display
• expose
• exhibit
• parade
• uncover
• flaunt
• unveil
• reveal
• disclose
• discover
• divulge
• bare
• betray
• uncloak
• unclothe
• undrape

2

as in to conceal

to keep secret or shut off from view

masked his real motives for wanting to see the house that was for sale

Synonyms & Similar Words

• conceal
• hide
• obscure
• cover
• disguise
• suppress
• veil
• cloak
• curtain
• shroud
• blot out
• blanket
• paper over
• screen
• occult
• block
• camouflage
• enshroud
• overshadow
• bury
• belie
• cover (up)
• smother
• varnish
• shade
• whitewash
• gloss (over)
• darken
• cloud
• gild
• eclipse
• obstruct
• occlude
• overcast
• becloud
• bedim
• befog

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• show
• reveal
• display
• disclose
• expose
• uncover
• divulge
• bare
• present
• unveil
• unmask
• bring out
• uncloak
• clarify
• get out
• illuminate
• spread
• publish
• broadcast
• advertise
• air
• proclaim
• publicize

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb mask differ from other similar words?

The words cloak and disguise are common synonyms of mask. While all three words mean "to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature," mask suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something.

smiling to mask his discontent

When is cloak a more appropriate choice than mask?

Although the words cloak and mask have much in common, cloak suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention.

cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy

When can disguise be used instead of mask?

The words disguise and mask can be used in similar contexts, but disguise implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity.

disguised herself as a peasant

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of mask

Noun

When outdoors, properly fitted N95 or P100 masks are the most effective for smoke protection. —Hannah Parry amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025

With a tank of air, a pair of fins, a mask, and a regulator, a regular Joe could experience the sea in all its glory. —Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2025

Verb

The burning hate, which masks other feelings, is mutual until the pair get to know each other, bonding over poetry and nights out on the town. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 1 Aug. 2025

Camouflaged and masked agents roughly grabbing folks randomly off the streets creates fear even for those of us born here. —Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025