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

In additon to wearning her E.T. costume, Heidi Klum wore a different disguise at her annual Halloween bash Thursday, which was also attended by singer Kelsea Ballerini and Outer Banks star Chase Stokes—who dressed as Sandra Dee and Danny Zuko from Grease. —

Tim Lammers, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 The Ghoul House maze monsters wear ghastly disguises and deliver jump scares designed to thrill, chill and terrify just like their Fright Fest, Scary Farm and Horror Nights compatriots. —

Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 24 Oct. 2024

Verb

The latter film tells the story of Michael, an unemployed actor who disguises himself as a woman named Dorsey for a drama. —

Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024 Even before then, U.S. officials claimed to have intelligence showing that Russia bought millions of rockets and artillery shells from North Korea, which secretly supplied the armaments by disguising them as shipments to other countries. —

Jacob Knutson, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disguise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disguise

Noun

Some of the new memes feature the cartoon dog on different backgrounds while others show him in new costumes.

Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 21 Nov. 2024
An affecting Susan Ruttan plays Gladys, a gentle, former costume designer, forgetting things.

Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024