mas·quer·ade
ˌma-skə-ˈrād 
1
a
: a social gathering of persons wearing masks and often fantastic costumes
b
: a costume for wear at such a gathering
2
: an action or appearance that is mere disguise or show
masqueraded; masquerading
1
a
: to disguise oneself
also
: to go about disguised
b
: to take part in a masquerade
2
: to assume the appearance of something one is not
masquerader
noun
Synonyms
Examples of masquerade in a Sentence
Noun
She could not keep up the masquerade any longer.
although she was deeply bored, she maintained a masquerade of polite interest as her guest droned on
Verb
He was masquerading under a false name.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2024
The very end of the episode teases that Benedict’s love match, Sophie, may be making her grand entrance soon, as Eloise — who is off to Scotland with Francesca — promises to be back in time for their mother’s famous masquerade ball.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 13 June 2024
Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 21 May 2024
Greenberg also cautioned residents to be aware of scammers who might attempt to take advantage of people affected by the natural disaster, like those masquerading as Federal Emergency Management Agency employees.
—Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 4 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for masquerade 
Noun
Each day, the convention will host a cosplay masquerade, giving guests a chance to show off their costumes.
—Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2024
The very end of the episode teases that Benedict’s love match, Sophie, may be making her grand entrance soon, as Eloise — who is off to Scotland with Francesca — promises to be back in time for their mother’s famous masquerade ball.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 13 June 2024
Verb
The infection chain starts with the execution of a malicious binary that masquerades as the legitimate Windows file TiWorker.exe.
—Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 21 May 2024
Greenberg also cautioned residents to be aware of scammers who might attempt to take advantage of people affected by the natural disaster, like those masquerading as Federal Emergency Management Agency employees.
—Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 4 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for masquerade
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'masquerade.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near masquerade
Cite this Entry
“Masquerade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masquerade. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
masquerade
1 of 2 noun
mas·quer·ade
ˌmas-kə-ˈrād
1
: a party (as a dance) at which people wear masks and often fantastic costumes
2
: an action or appearance that is only a disguise or outward show : pose
masquerade
2 of 2 verb
masqueraded; masquerading
1
: to take part in a masquerade
2
: to assume the appearance of something one is not : pose
masquerader
noun
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