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

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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
Police said the victim was standing outside when a car pulled up and two men wearing masks got out of the vehicle. —Harry Harris, Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2025 Gilder is charged with grand theft and robbery with a mask. —Terry Dickerson, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
However, the apparent success of this system masks an underlying fragility. —Ari Caramanica, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2025 Pharmaceutical remedies often mask symptoms, not causes–natural remedies like light, heat, cold, and frequency therapy can heal. —Jennifer Pierce, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025 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
  • Since arriving on Savile Row, the sons have worked with several high-profile costume designers on pieces for forthcoming productions.
    — Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Hire a really good costume designer and a really good art department.
    — H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of costume
Noun
  • The exclusion of frill makes these unfussy bridal gowns ideal for accessorizing with a piece of special jewelry or a statement veil.
    — Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 6 Apr. 2025
  • There’s the requisite shot of a perfect toro nigiri, a thin veil of soy sauce glistening on top, or a close-up of a minimalist ceramic vase.
    — Elena Clavarino, Air Mail, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of veil
Verb
  • Meanwhile, smugglers and bad actors are perpetually advancing their methods for disguising illicit goods, unsafe products and narcotics.
    — Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 8 Apr. 2025
  • However, alignment often feels top-down, like marching orders disguised as consensus.
    — Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of disguise
Verb
  • Immigration advocates, attorneys and civil litigators are warning against the normalization of federal agents concealing their faces while detaining nonviolent students.
    — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Passport wallets are a great way to keep your important documents, money and cards all organized and concealed for extra peace of mind both in the airport and while out on your next adventure abroad.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of conceal
Noun
  • The male figure wears a simple toga, while the woman wears a large cloak over a tunic and many accessories.
    — Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The white marble sculpture, which is missing a head and arms, appears to depict a woman's torso draped in a loose dress or cloak.
    — Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 23 Jan. 2025
Definition of cloak
Verb
  • Peluso, who plays the Novo on Saturday as part of her first headlining U.S. tour, is an expert herself in crafting cinematic experiences camouflaged as songs.
    — Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Outside, aluminum siding that mirrors the changing sky cloaks a low-profile silhouette, nearly camouflaging the home in the surrounding greenery.
    — Spencer Elliott, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of camouflage
Verb
  • Ellie hides her injury from Dina when her friend arrives to rescue her, and the women are summoned to appear before the town leaders to share their experience.
    — Sara Netzley, EW.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The titles of 12 such books — some of which may have been published before 2025 — are hidden below within an unrelated text passage.
    — J. D. Biersdorfer, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of hide
Noun
  • Rates for home loans dropped slightly, but may not go much lower as uncertainty from Washington shrouds the housing market.
    — Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The sun is blotted out by a new 91-foot tall, stadium-like condominium that curves around the north end of the island and shrouds Gordon’s Building 3 in shadow part of the day.
    — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025
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 22 Apr. 2025.

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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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