masks 1 of 2

Definition of masksnext
plural of mask
1
as in costumes
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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masks

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of mask

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 masks
Noun
Democrats want to add accountability measures to immigration enforcement and require body cameras and end the use of masks by agents. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 31 Jan. 2026 The results will show young women who look an awful lot like circus clowns, with faces hidden under layers of masks, gels, serums, and even face tape. Jana Pollack, Parents, 31 Jan. 2026 The reforms sought by Democrats include requiring federal officers to wear body cameras, banning officers from wearing masks and mandating judicial warrants for arrests, as well as ending roving patrols. CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026 Federal officers involved in the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti earlier this month were wearing masks, and the identities of the Border Patrol agents at the scene of Pretti’s shooting have not been made public. Ari Fife, The Frontier, 31 Jan. 2026 End roving Immigration and Customs Enforcement patrols, enforce measures to hold rogue operations to account and have agents remove masks and wear body cameras. David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026 The ban came after a series of immigration raids in and around Los Angeles, where federal agents were spotted wearing masks. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026 There were several contentious school board meetings in 2020 and 2021, with parents complaining about restrictions and requirements that students wear masks. Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026 At these community events, monks and others wear intricate costumes and masks to act out the lore of historical legends. Amy Nelson, Twin Cities, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
But that strength masks ongoing weakness among consumers and the property sector. Jason Ma, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026 While meant to express closeness, this phrase often masks blurred boundaries. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026 The night sky may seem calm, even serene, but that masks events of a catastrophic and nearly unimaginable scale. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 22 Jan. 2026 But her demeanor masks an inner toughness. George Skelton, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026 But her demeanor masks an inner toughness. Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026 But the growth masks deeper challenges for the domestic economy that policymakers are under pressure to address in the year ahead, analysts say. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 19 Jan. 2026 The choreography of hedging between Washington and Beijing, while simultaneously adjusting to American pressure, masks a deeper continuity. Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Time, 15 Jan. 2026 But that masks a large and politically significant ethnic minority population. Shukriya Bradost, The Conversation, 13 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masks
Noun
  • The skater, who partners with Anthony Ponomarenko, hopped her flight to Italy without her costumes due to a mix-up with shipping, causing much stress and anxiety for her and McKinnon approximately one week out from the start of the Winter Games.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Should stylists raid the closets of every season’s costumes of Downton Abbey?
    Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • On March 12, 2003, someone called 911 to report people walking along a highway in Sandy, Utah, near Salt Lake City in long, white robes and veils, just like the pictures broadcast on America’s Most Wanted.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Kay’s refined style – made up of ivory wool coats, pillbox hats and delicate face veils – is Marty’s aspirational opposite.
    Anna Tingley, Variety, 27 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • The defensiveness disguises the admission that With Heaven on Top does indeed boast a robust production, one teeming with horns and backing vocals, all set to a big beat designed to echo throughout the stadiums Bryan now headlines.
    Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 13 Jan. 2026
  • That big picture also disguises some fascinating trends.
    Ian King, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Due to the Doorman Clause, which prohibits actors with superpowers from performing in film and television, Simon hides his abilities.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The wrap-design, complete with pleated detailing around the waist, hides the midsection and highlights your natural shape without clinging too much.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Women in black cloaks with their faces and hands covered in line with their religious faith waited in the rain for limited amounts of food to be dispersed.
    Jane Arraf, NPR, 22 Jan. 2026
  • The campaign included guerrilla marketing tactics throughout Seoul, with individuals in black cloaks branded with the album logo appearing in districts like Gangnam, Seongsu, and Hongdae.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Scientists have long theorized that the icy crust above the ocean conceals evidence of organic compounds and energy sources – the ingredients to life.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Bedsure Twin Heated Blanket With a fleece top and faux shearling backing, the blanket’s thick fabric conceals the wires, giving it the feel of a cozy throw rather than a typical heated blanket.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The 54 unidentified bodies were laid carefully in a long line of white shrouds as Palestinians gathered around the grave site.
    Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2025
  • That’s because cutting-edge encryption shrouds information behind mathematical problems (such as factoring enormous numbers) that are conjectured to be unsolvable in any practical amount of time.
    Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The chaos and controversy obscures positive developments that are occurring in Broward schools every day.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Amarnath told Fortune the political rhetoric around reshoring often obscures the reality facing manufacturers operating in the present tense.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Masks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masks. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

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