mask 1 of 2

noun

ˈmask How to pronounce mask (audio)
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
as in veil
something that covers or conceals like a piece of cloth his unexpected friendliness is just a mask, for he always has an ulterior motive

Synonyms & Similar Words

mask

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to disguise
to change the dress or looks of so as to conceal true identity the federal agents masked their surveillance vehicle so that it looked like an ordinary moving van

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to conceal
to keep secret or shut off from view masked his real motives for wanting to see the house that was for sale

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Manucurist formulates its masks with panthenol, a form of vitamin B5, to hydrate and strengthen dry nails over time, reducing breakage. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 4 July 2026 A day after catcher Logan O’Hoppe had to come out of the game because a foul ball hit him in the mask, O’Hoppe said he was cleared of a concussion. — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 5 July 2026
Verb
The coverage is just enough to mask minor discoloration and minimize the look of blemishes, but unlike traditional foundation, your real skin peeks through. — Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 1 July 2026 The onset is gradual enough to mask how serious it’s become, and family members often start compensating long before the person recognizes there’s a problem. — Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mask
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mask
  1. costume
  2. veil
  3. disguise
  4. conceal
  5. cloak
  6. camouflage
  7. hide
  8. shroud
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
  • The nineteenth-century lace veil was found in an antiques market and secured with Grace Kelly's Cartier tiara.
    — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 5 July 2026
  • The strapless corset gown had a sheer illusion jacket embellished with pearls and was paired with a cathedral veil.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Definition of veil
Verb
  • Defying the restrictions placed on women of her era, Umm Kulthum first performed disguised as a boy before rising to dominate the stages of Cairo and captivate audiences across the globe.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 June 2026
  • Shadow fleet vessels disguise their identity and purpose through a broad range of deceptive activities, including spoofing their locations and destinations.
    — Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of disguise
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
  • In our post-religious era—in which, beneath the cloak of secular humanitarianism, righteous religiosity and virtuous crusading remain as potent as ever—history has attained the authority, authenticity and prestige that religion and its prelates once possessed.
    — Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
  • 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
Definition of cloak
Verb
  • It can be used as a concealer, contour, or foundation, has medium coverage, is pore-blurring, texture-smoothing, and imperfection-camouflaging.
    — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 26 June 2026
  • Copperheads are well camouflaged, and operate as sit-and-wait predators.
    — Eva Flowe, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2026
Definition of camouflage
Verb
  • For loungability there’s a king bed, a hide-a-bed sofa, a fireplace and theater seats.
    — Kris Millgate, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • When Fluffy failed to come out of hiding after 24 hours, Melissa Kirby and her husband began making and posting missing cat posters around their neighborhood.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Definition of hide
Noun
  • In the hospital’s courtyard, relatives wept over the bodies covered in white burial shrouds.
    — Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
  • 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
Definition of shroud

Browse Nearby Words

mashing
mask
masked
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on mask

Nglish: Translation of mask for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mask

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