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
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
Wolfhard and Bryk keep us guessing — and laughing — and though everything from axes to pocket knives serve as weapons, the most memorable cuts come from editors Christine Armstrong and David Marks, who mask the low budget while creatively transitioning between scenes. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Apr. 2025 Many are masked, at least three are carrying bats or sticks, and one is armed with an assault rifle. —Arkansas Online, 29 Mar. 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
  • With nowhere to hide and no way to escape her Dobby costume, the teacher had no choice but to soldier through the day.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Pikachu hasn't been the only inflatable costume spotted in amid the recent protests in Turkey.
    — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 27 Mar. 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
  • Many Tesla owners have reported selling their vehicles or disguising them as being from a different maker out of shame or fear.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Although much of Sweetener seems soaked in sunshine, there’s sadness in the lyrics that emulates the album title — in the sense that sweetener disguises its contents with an artificiality akin to the happy mask Grande dons on the album.
    — Brendan Le, People.com, 28 Mar. 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 shrubs also host the larvae of 18 kinds of butterflies and moths, including eastern tiger swallowtail and mourning cloak butterflies.
    — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Designed by master perfumer Jacques Cavallier, the luxe fragrance cloaks Chinese white teas in notes inspired by a botanical garden.
    — Jenny Berg, Allure, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of cloak
Verb
  • Managers who try to camouflage this fact risk the greatest amount of inauthenticity.
    — Bruce Tulgan, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The third layer is that there is clear evidence that girls try to camouflage or disguise or mask their problems.
    — Matt Villano, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of camouflage
Verb
  • Rogers was found hiding under a bridge nearby and was arrested, authorities said.
    — Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Because the kitchen is visible from the living and dining areas, Allison downplayed the utilitarian stuff, tucking the stainless-steel refrigerator behind a wall and hiding the range behind the island.
    — Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of hide
Noun
  • Before Lavin’s death shrouds the season’s homestretch in grief, the best dramatic beats come from Bomer, whose character gets some sweet scenes with a closeted young Mormon and one solid episode featuring Billie Lourd as Jerry’s long-estranged daughter.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Scientists have known since the 1990s that complex processes taking place in Earth's atmosphere because of climate change could reduce the density of the upper layers of the planet's gaseous shroud.
    — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 17 Mar. 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 13 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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