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 next

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

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples 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

With his slate gray hair and thick black glasses, Charles doesn’t require an elaborate disguise to fit in as a new resident at Pacific View Retirement Community. —

Ben Travers, IndieWire, 21 Nov. 2024 Armed with an array of disguises and contacts in the underworld, as well as two younger associates (Julien de Saint Jean and Anamaria Vartolomei), each with their own ax to grind against these men, the Count executes an elaborate plan to destroy the lives that destroyed his. —

Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024

Verb

Waiting for ideal circumstances is often just fear disguised as preparation. —

Maha Abouelenein, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 Here, it’s been streamlined into a single attack, but the Nauvoo Legion, in the company of Paiute fighters, did take out the Baker-Fancher wagon train and attempted to disguise it as a solely Native American attack. —

Keith Phipps, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for disguise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disguise

Noun

Her wardrobe, overseen by costume designer Amy Stofsky, is certainly the stuff of Y2K dreams.

— Liam Hess, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2025
The visuals, the camera work, the colors of the costumes, the inclusion of certain spaceships are all inspired by Emperor Philippa Georgiou Augustus Iaponius Centarius (or just Philippa for short), first introduced in Star Trek: Discovery.

— Nick Romano, EW.com, 17 Jan. 2025