mask 1 of 2

1
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

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2

mask

2 of 2

verb

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
Noun
  • Alas, the clouds soon gathered, casting their veil over the moon, obscuring it from sight.
    Brett Tingley, Space.com, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Mars clouds have wispy features, more like a gauzy veil than a fluffy sheep.
    Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • After all, the film’s ending organically set up an Invisible Woman movie, as Elisabeth Moss’ Cecilia used an invisibility suit to disguise the murder of her abuser as suicide.
    Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Having been itching for some neighbors more along their wavelength, cop Danny (Scotsman Sam Heughan trying very hard to disguise his native accent), and yoga instructor Becka (Australian Jessica De Gouw allowed to use her own) waste little time in introducing themselves.
    Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson suffered a catastrophic stroke, a debilitating event meticulously concealed from the American public.
    Richard Menger MD MPA, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Related article Israel to conceal soldiers’ identities after Brazilian probe into war crimes allegations Growing frustration over the lack of progress since the 2023 deal has seen protesters regularly take to the streets in Israel.
    Eugenia Yosef, CNN, 12 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The pieces on display vary from dark cloaks to Rick Owens–inspired lunar boots to one fat-ass matte black biker helmet.
    Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 8 Jan. 2025
  • For an offshore man of mystery and ill repute, a diplomatic post is a protective cloak that brings with it varying degrees of immunity, not to mention an alternative passport to travel and transact with; a new identity untethered from the past; and a noble (honorable, even) foil.
    Atossa Araxia Abrahamian Atossa Araxia Abrahamian, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But North Korean troops appear to be learning from their mistakes, the Ukrainian soldiers added, by becoming more adept at camouflaging near forested lines.
    Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024
  • Pesky pimples, fine lines exacerbated by dehydration, and redness are difficult to camouflage — but there’s a secret weapon solution that’s quietly winning over makeup artists and industry insiders: Lancôme’s Dual Finish Powder Foundation.
    Katie McBroom, WWD, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • At the time, wolves were still considered predatory varmints to be shot from airplanes, trapped and snared for $100 bounty and whatever hides would bring.
    Al Wolter, Outdoor Life, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Walshe, 49, of Cohasset, is accused of murdering his wife Ana Walshe, dismembering her body on New Years 2023 and hiding it in dumpsters around Greater Boston.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The Shrouds David Cronenberg’s body horror flick stars Vincent Cassel as Karsh, a businessman overwhelmed with grief at the death of his wife who builds a device — a high-tech shroud — to watch her body decompose in real-time.
    Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The 20th century saw the shrouds surrounding the mysteries of science and creation being pulled back to reveal a universe of incredible, awe-inspiring wonder.
    Ken Bridges, Austin American-Statesman, 31 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near mask

Cite this Entry

“Mask.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mask. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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