mask 1 of 2

Definition of masknext
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

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2

mask

2 of 2

verb

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

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 mask
Noun
Since the mask has a cooling effect, consider using it after sun exposure. Irene Richardson, InStyle, 20 June 2026 Police described the suspects as two men in their late teens or early 20s wearing all-black clothing and masks. Joe Brandt, CBS News, 20 June 2026
Verb
Lawrence has also honed his sense of perspective, even if it’s often masked by self-depreciation. Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026 Maddie attempts to maintain a good-girl façade veiling dangerous inner turmoil, while picture-perfect recipe videos mask an unsettling desperation for fame. Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mask
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mask
Noun
  • News how his costume took a toll on his body.
    Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
  • In one photo, Affleck holds a young Seraphina in a baby carrier while holding hands with Violet, and in another, Affleck wears a Batman costume while holding son Samuel.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • The veils of the universe have thinned.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 21 June 2026
  • Lipa also wore a six-metre tulle wedding veil that was also hand-embroidered with beads and feathers.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • And, to further disguise the motivation behind these ads, the AI issue isn’t even mentioned.
    Richard J. Davis, New York Daily News, 21 June 2026
  • But there is every reason to think that without a regular supply of people walking through, deliberately carrying guns and bombs through that have been disguised, that airport-security people just cannot remain vigilant for it.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • The defendants and their co-conspirators—which included tax, accounting and financial industry professionals, and law firms—worked to design, implement and defend the tax shelter transactions in ways intended to conceal the true facts and circumstances of the transactions from the IRS.
    Bruce Brumberg, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • One of the defendants, Daniel Sanchez Estrada, was convicted of corruptly concealing a document and conspiracy to conceal documents.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Throughout premodern Europe, this is how she was known—the figure in the cloak with a stool on her back, walking to houses at all hours, day and night.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 June 2026
  • Throughout history, kings, queens and other members of the royal family have donned luxurious fur stoles, floor-length fur coats, capes with mink trims and cloaks with ermine edges (that's weasel fur).
    Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • Greene also says using braiding hair or extensions that match your natural texture can help camouflage inevitable frizz.
    Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 18 June 2026
  • This singular cornrow look, though, tends to camouflage hair thinness.
    Omenaa Boakye, InStyle, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • In fact, some are doing little to hide their skepticism – and, in some cases, outright frustration – with the memorandum of understanding, which White House officials hope to spin into a more lasting peace agreement and nuclear accord.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 20 June 2026
  • The script hides serious moral and ethical conversations about fame, political violence, and powerful institutions amongst jokes about hashbrowns.
    Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Silver and predatory birds aside, Silver and eagles aside, the shoe features a black leather and mesh region beneath the shroud with a red Jumpman.
    Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 18 June 2026
  • But -- but the shroud has not come down.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mask.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mask. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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