masquerade 1 of 2

noun

ˌma-skə-ˈrād How to pronounce masquerade (audio)
Definition of masqueradenext
as in facade
a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive although she was deeply bored, she maintained a masquerade of polite interest as her guest droned on

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

masquerade

2 of 2

verb

as in to pose

Related Words

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 masquerade
Noun
The long shadow of the occupation Twenty-three years after George Bush and Tony Blair resolved that Iraqis were to be emancipated, the country remains captive to a masquerade of power. — Nabil Salih, Time, 26 May 2026 This multitasking piece masquerades as a comfortable bench, but is also the ultimate decluttering companion in a busy room. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
Verb
The interior designers agreed that the most consistent small space trend is storage that masquerades as something else or serves multiple purposes. — Lacey Ramburger, The Spruce, 22 May 2026 But many preventable executive mistakes are state problems masquerading as strategy problems. — Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for masquerade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masquerade
  1. facade
  2. pose
  3. pretense
  4. pretend
  5. show
  6. impersonate
  7. guise
  8. act
Noun
  • Sporting a classic, seemingly untouched facade, the old building was a sight to behold for both of us.
    — Raj Tawney, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
  • Leandro Erlich, Bâtiment, 2004, a building facade laid flat beneath a mirror suspended at a 45-degree angle, 930 x 806 x 1445 cm.
    — Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of facade
Verb
  • Mark Zuckerberg published an op-ed advocating for the widespread distribution of superintelligence, arguing that concentrating it in a few institutions poses the greatest risk.
    — Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • Gellar posed aboard a boat with the bright blue Mediterranean behind her, resting against the vessel while wearing black cat-eye sunglasses.
    — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of pose
Noun
  • Everything else is pretense; the diplomat is pretense; the Hand of the King, there’s a level of pretense; Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, there’s a level of pretense.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 20 July 2026
  • When Moore finally abandons the pretense and focuses in earnest on his presidential ambitions, the damage to Maryland will be incalculable and likely irreparable.
    — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2026
Definition of pretense
Verb
  • An elderly Parker County man was beaten and robbed by a woman who gained access to his home after pretending to be a police officer, the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release Saturday.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026
  • The hacker pretended to be one of the furniture company's employees and changed the vendor's bank account on file with Children's.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 24 July 2026
Definition of pretend
Noun
  • The ability to walk from your bed to the sand and stare at the sea is the star of the show here.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • The eatery was even named the best restaurant in North Carolina featured on the show by Tasting Table earlier this year.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Definition of show
Verb
  • Security researchers at Jamf Threat Labs have uncovered CrashStealer, a new Mac information stealer that impersonates Apple's crash-reporting software.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
  • Homestead Police Chief Mario Knapp is warning the public after scammers impersonated him in an attempt to steal sensitive banking information.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
Definition of impersonate
Noun
  • Somewhere between a sandal and a ballet flat, caged silhouettes come in all manner of guises.
    — Sarah Leigh Bannerman, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026
  • Everything from the division of the Peaches and the Plums to Shamea’s tagline this season is a secret cry from Shamea to Porsha, begging for attention under the guise of her own emancipation.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 29 June 2026
Definition of guise
Verb
  • This also includes musicians and major music acts partnering with companies and productions, releasing their own products or content, or just coming to perform as talent.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Holmes has served as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), or someone appointed by a judge to act in the best interest of children who’ve experienced abuse or neglect.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
Definition of act

Phrases Containing masquerade

Browse Nearby Words

masque
masquerade
masquerade (as)
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Cite this Entry

“Masquerade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masquerade. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on masquerade

Nglish: Translation of masquerade for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about masquerade

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