charade

noun

shə-ˈrād How to pronounce charade (audio)
Definition of charadenext
as in pretense
a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive put on a convincing charade to keep her from knowing about the surprise party

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 charade His representatives haven’t responded to a request for comment with regards to his charades skills. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2026 One of the trip's funniest moments came during a game of Salad Bowl, a game that's a combination of charades and Catch Phrase. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026 The winners in this charade are the for-profit permit holders who multiply the inherent value of free water into private corporate profits. — Robert Knight, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026 What Scott wrote about UF’s presidential choice, former University of Alabama President Stuart Bell, applies to the entire political presidency charade. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for charade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for charade
  1. pretense
  2. facade
  3. show
  4. guise
  5. act
  6. pose
  7. masquerade
Noun
  • Trimpey also faces a felony charge of obtaining money by false pretenses.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
  • In the suit, Ibrahim alleges that he was lured to the gym under the pretense of a challenge and was ambushed by Watson, a co-owner of the gym and two other men.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Definition of pretense
Noun
  • Europe has long resisted air conditioning as noisy, an eyesore on architectural facades and unnecessary, as brutal summer heat has been relatively short-lived.
    — Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 2 July 2026
  • Original Tuscan columns on the facade were preserved, while interior crown moldings were restored and paired with bleached hardwood chevron floors, new chandeliers, and mantlepieces.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 2 July 2026
Definition of facade
Noun
  • There was a small card with a graphic that pictured Wiley walking in the middle of Bluey and Bingo, two characters from the show.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Englewood City Council called a special session on Wednesday evening to discuss whether to have its fireworks show, ultimately deciding to move forward with it.
    — Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of show
Noun
  • 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
  • After examining her injury, Brito began to caress and massage Patient 1’s foot under the guise of providing care.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
Definition of guise
Noun
  • At the time, the colonies were still under British rule, making the creation of a national flag a potentially dangerous act.
    — Pete Cuddihy, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • The core party at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will feature performances by acts including the Smashing Pumpkins, Maren Morris and Anthony Ramos, according to the America 250 website.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of act
Noun
  • But Veda has zero admiration for Mildred’s rapid upward mobility, striking the pose of a blue blood who looks down on hard work.
    — Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • Squeezed into a latex bodysuit and donning cornrows, Madonna alternately wields a whip, is bound to a chair and poses with a Chihuahua — in matching latex.
    — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026
Definition of pose
Noun
  • The yearly convention includes panel discussions, movie and television showings, an exhibitor hall, outdoor activations, a masquerade ball and more.
    — Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2026
  • And the leak to USA TODAY provides further evidence of the group’s careful masquerade, Tischauser, the SPLC researcher said.
    — Will Carless, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Definition of masquerade

Browse Nearby Words

character sketches
charade
charades
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Cite this Entry

“Charade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/charade. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on charade

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about charade

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