DISGUISE Synonyms: 155 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'disguise' differ from other similar words?

The words cloak and mask are common synonyms of disguise . While all three words mean "to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature," disguise implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity. // disguised herself as a peasant

Q: When is 'cloak' a more appropriate choice than 'disguise'?

The words cloak and disguise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cloak suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention. // cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy

Q: When might 'mask' be a better fit than 'disguise'?

The synonyms mask and disguise are sometimes interchangeable, but mask suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something. // smiling to mask his discontent

disguise 1 of 2

noun

Definition of disguise

as in costume

clothing put on to hide one's true identity or imitate someone or something else Mardi Gras revelers dressed in a colorful array of outlandish disguises

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in guise

a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive somehow, he managed to put on a disguise of happiness as he watched his secret crush marry someone else

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

disguise

2 of 2

verb

də-ˈskīz

as in to camouflage

to change the dress or looks of so as to conceal true identity the spies disguised themselves as harmless tourists

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to conceal

to keep secret or shut off from view that investigative reporter usually does a good job of disguising her true motives for interviewing a person

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disguise differ from other similar words?

The words cloak and mask are common synonyms of disguise. While all three words mean "to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature," disguise implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity.

disguised herself as a peasant

When is cloak a more appropriate choice than disguise?

The words cloak and disguise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cloak suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention.

cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy

When might mask be a better fit than disguise?

The synonyms mask and disguise are sometimes interchangeable, but mask suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something.

smiling to mask his discontent

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 disguise

Noun

Security cameras filmed the suspect scouting the area several times beforehand, wearing the same masculine disguise worn on the night of the attack. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 For Mark Philippoussis, one of the biggest and best servers in tennis history, what Djokovic has developed is a Roger Federer-esque level of disguise. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Verb

The main suspect in a bomb attack that wounded a Ukrainian tycoon on Monday in Monaco is a Ukrainian woman who disguised herself as a man, local authorities say. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 Frazier eagerly reposted a vile lie claiming Israelis drop bombs disguised as toys to murder children—originally posted by a UK activist facing terror charges for backing Hamas. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for disguise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disguise

Noun

For those who love a ‘50s feel but prefer not to resemble a costume from the Spirit Halloween catalog, the On 34th minidress has that nostalgic look with a contemporary feel.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 3 July 2026
McDaniel had purchased multiple superhero and supervillain costumes from overseas that were delivered to the two addresses, the affidavit said, citing customs records.

— Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of costume

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

Verb

The two allegedly stole incoming cash and concealed the thefts by generating checks and forging the court clerk’s signature.

— Nathan Pilling July 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
But an airline passenger in Indianapolis was caught using a peanut butter jar to conceal something altogether more concerning.

— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Definition of conceal

Noun

But in each event—in the living act, the undoubted deed—there, some unknown but still reasoning thing puts forth the mouldings of its features from behind the unreasoning mask.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
How To Clean Dryer Vents Put on protective equipment – dust mask and eye goggles.

— Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 6 July 2026

Definition of mask

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

Verb

While institutional incentives aren't wrong, portraying them solely as student benefits obscures a critical reality.

— Scott White, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Crews have been seen unloading equipment from trucks this week — much of it covered or obscured — and barricades have been placed near the perimeter of the arena.

— Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 4 July 2026

Definition of obscure

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disgruntling

disguise

disguised

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“Disguise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disguise. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of disguise

noun

verb

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