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 The parties the club hosted at the old venue — such as Sacramento Turn Verein’s ninth annual masquerade ball, held March 1-2, 1878 — were astonishing. — Graham Womack may 2, Sacbee.com, 2 May 2026
Verb
But many preventable executive mistakes are state problems masquerading as strategy problems. — Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026 Consistent hydration through the morning also prevents the dehydration that frequently masquerades as midday tiredness. — Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 20 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
  • 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
  • It was founded in 1949 in response to security concerns after World War II and the growing threat posed by the Soviet Union.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026
Definition of pose
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
Verb
  • Barcenas' tea-sipping celebration was a tribute to Alex Morgan, one of the Wave's owners, who pretended to take a sip of tea after scoring in a match against England during the 2019 Women's World Cup.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • Well, Ariana seems to remember, whereas Hudson is determined to just undo the breakup and pretend like none of it ever happened.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 2 July 2026
Definition of pretend
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
Verb
  • Online, Safeer Mohammed Koorimannil, who was trafficked to a scam center in Myanmar, impersonated a 28-year-old Singaporean woman named Ella.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
  • So don't go off topic, don't impersonate anyone, and don't get your facts wrong.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 29 June 2026
Definition of impersonate
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
  • Mozeliak argues the team doesn’t need to tank to win, but rather act more like a big market team.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Maintenance inhalers are either long-acting airway dilators or anti-inflammatory medications like steroids that patients should take daily.
    — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 5 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 7 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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