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
• 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
• cope
• cover
• shield
• cover-up
• coverture
• screen
• penumbra
• disguise
• camouflage
• blind
• face
• 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

Though hydrogel masks have flooded shelves, Biodance was one of the earliest pioneers of the now K-beauty staple. — Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

The Department of Homeland Security also recommends keeping an emergency kit ready with important documents, medications, N95 respirator masks and other essential supplies in case residents need to evacuate quickly. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 27 July 2026

Verb

Avoid red relief eye drops because these can mask other issues. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 22 July 2026

Telling people to mask or stay at home doesn’t stop transmission; masking and staying at home do stop transmission. — Marc Lipsitch, STAT, 21 July 2026