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

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 disguise

Noun

In that segment, produced by NFL Films and Peyton Manning's Omaha Productions, Eli dressed in a similar disguise to Powers to appear in walk-on tryouts for Penn State's football team. —

Dave Quinn, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024 Glen Powell is taking the field — in a nasty new disguise. —

Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 28 Dec. 2024

Verb

The Harvard Business Review highlighted that toxic workplace behaviour disguised as ‘successful performance’ is the cyanide pill for organizational success. —

Jason Walker, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 Iris is uncertain, worried about embarrassing Josh in front of his friends — especially Kat (Megan Suri), whose rich Russian boyfriend Sergey (Rupert Friend) owns the place, and who doesn’t bother to disguise her hostility. —

Alison Willmore, Vulture, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for disguise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disguise

Noun

Or that costume designer Shirley Kurata doesn’t deserve 22 awards for Malkovich’s outfits alone.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Jan. 2025
Danica McKellar Celebrates Milestone Birthday with Makeup-Free Selfie After greeting her guests, McKellar heated up the dance floor with a costume change and a surprise ballroom dance number.

— Breanne L. Heldman, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025