charade

noun

cha·​rade shə-ˈrād  -ˈräd 

1

: a word represented in riddling verse or by picture, tableau, or dramatic action (such as intrusion represented by depiction of inn, true, and shun)

2

charades plural : a game in which some of the players try to guess a word or phrase from the actions of another player who may not speak

3

: an empty or deceptive act or pretense

his concern was a charade

Synonyms

• act
• airs
• disguise
• facade
• façade
• front
• guise
• masquerade
• playacting
• pose
• pretense
• pretence
• put-on
• semblance
• show

Examples of charade in a Sentence

We've grown tired of your charades.

put on a convincing charade to keep her from knowing about the surprise party

Recent Examples on the Web

By the time this piece comes out, Moo Deng’s appearance on Weekend Update will have been overshadowed by Yang kissing Ariana Grande in a skit about family charades gone awry and Mariah Carey protesting the cruelty of overhead lighting on Las Culturistas. —Sarah Burke, Them, 23 Oct. 2024

Women who disguised themselves as male soldiers showed ingenuity in pulling off the charade. —Kellie B. Gormly, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Sep. 2024

From the candidate perspective applying for a top leadership position, the entire charade is eminently predictable and therefore easy to prepare for. —Barry Conchie and Sarah Dalton, TIME, 19 Sep. 2024

Plus, with the highest English proficiency score on the list, you won’t be left playing charades to order a slice of Sachertorte. —Joni Sweet, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from Occitan charrado chat, from charrá to chat, chatter

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

charade

noun

cha·​rade shə-ˈrād 

1

plural : a game in which some of the players try to guess a word or phrase from the actions of another player who may not speak

2

: an act that is meaningless or is meant to deceive