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

When a mix-up leads to a rumor about him being engaged to her daughter, the whole family jumps in to keep up the charade. —Meredith G. White, The Arizona Republic, 3 Dec. 2024

His veil could be fairly interpreted as a reference to the charade of modern celebrity. —Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2024

In true farcical fashion, Yellow Face escalates quickly, with the all-too-earnest Marcus soon believing his own charade and DHH left gaping in the dust like Dr. Frankenstein, appalled at his creation. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2024

The smooch came at the end of a sketch where Grande and Yang were playing warring members of a family charades night. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 6 Nov. 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