MASK Synonyms: 112 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'mask' differ from other similar words?

The words cloak and disguise are common synonyms of mask . While all three words mean "to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature," mask suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something. // smiling to mask his discontent

Q: When is 'cloak' a more appropriate choice than 'mask'?

Although the words cloak and mask have much in common, cloak suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention. // cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy

Q: When can 'disguise' be used instead of 'mask'?

The words disguise and mask can be used in similar contexts, but disguise implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity. // disguised herself as a peasant

mask 1 of 2

noun

ˈmask

Definition of mask next

as in costume

a cover or partial cover for the face used to disguise oneself an elaborate mask that would be suitable for a fancy masquerade ball

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in veil

something that covers or conceals like a piece of cloth his unexpected friendliness is just a mask, for he always has an ulterior motive

Synonyms & Similar Words

mask

2 of 2

verb

as in to disguise

to change the dress or looks of so as to conceal true identity the federal agents masked their surveillance vehicle so that it looked like an ordinary moving van

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to conceal

to keep secret or shut off from view masked his real motives for wanting to see the house that was for sale

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb mask differ from other similar words?

The words cloak and disguise are common synonyms of mask. While all three words mean "to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature," mask suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something.

smiling to mask his discontent

When is cloak a more appropriate choice than mask?

Although the words cloak and mask have much in common, cloak suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention.

cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy

When can disguise be used instead of mask?

The words disguise and mask can be used in similar contexts, but disguise implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity.

disguised herself as a peasant

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 mask

Noun

Those policies, enacted by more than 110 executive orders and two years worth of consecutive 30-day emergency proclamations from Gov. J.B. Pritzker, included closing schools and businesses, limiting occupancy at public places, mask mandates and vaccine mandates. —

Greg Bishop | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Jan. 2025 While hair dyes mask gray, restoring mineral balance could potentially reverse it naturally. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025

Verb

However, a bloated .365 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) masked an otherwise encouraging showing for an 18-year-old facing full-season competition, and the 2023 supplemental first-round pick’s raw stuff was every bit as electric as the Twins had hoped. —

Aaron Gleeman, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025 Plus, the bubble factor helps mask the texture that may be lacking due to the absence of alcohol. —

Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for mask

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mask

Noun

Her wardrobe, overseen by costume designer Amy Stofsky, is certainly the stuff of Y2K dreams.

— Liam Hess, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2025
The visuals, the camera work, the colors of the costumes, the inclusion of certain spaceships are all inspired by Emperor Philippa Georgiou Augustus Iaponius Centarius (or just Philippa for short), first introduced in Star Trek: Discovery.

— Nick Romano, EW.com, 17 Jan. 2025