disguise 1 of 2

disguise

2 of 2

verb

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
The reveal drew gasps from the judges, with Robin Thicke and Ken Jeong both shocked by Method Man’s commitment to the disguise. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 3 Apr. 2025 Besides, the moment Scooby started talking and wearing elaborate disguises, all bets were off. James Mercadante, EW.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
The largest deviation is depicting Jumba and Pleakley as primarily disguised in human form, morphing early on from the alien entities that they’re seen as in the original. Brandon Yu, New York Times, 20 May 2025 An 8-foot alligator was discovered perfectly disguised in the mud along a southwest Florida hiking trail, and photos of the startling sight have rattled social media. Mark Price, Miami Herald, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for disguise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disguise
Noun
  • His journey from Bollywood costume designer to global fashion icon represents the arrival of Indian fashion as an undeniable force on the world stage.
    Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • Born with dwarfism on Aug. 23, 1963 in Plainwell, Michigan, Edward Gale made his debut wearing the costume as the titular Marvel character in Howard the Duck (1986), which was voiced by Chip Zien.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • This was a trouncing of historical proportions, the biggest margin of defeat in the history of the Champions League final, both in its current version and its previous guise as European Cup.
    Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Newspapers, once only a platform to distribute daily happenings, are continuing to inspire, only in a different guise.
    Samantha Tse, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Still, these bras were comfortable, durable, and camouflaged well underneath clothes.
    Michelle Rostamian, People.com, 22 May 2025
  • The short video shows a man and woman gliding across calm water on a paddleboard when an alligator, camouflaged along the bank, suddenly slips into the water just feet away.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Millions of low-cost devices for media streaming, in-vehicle entertainment, and video projection are infected with malware that turns consumer networks into platforms for distributing malware, concealing nefarious communications, and performing other illicit activities, the FBI has warned.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
  • On December 27, 1908, Boy Staunton (a literal boy, double-underlining Davies’s interest in archetypes) throws a snowball with a stone concealed in it at his friend Duncan.
    Casey Cep, New Yorker, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • To keep the cub from forming bonds with people that could jeopardize his return to the wild, staff members charged with his care are dressing up in bear costumes, including a mask, fur coat and leather gloves.
    Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
  • If possible, work outside and wear a mask and gloves.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Drop the facade to create space for genuine connection.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • Guests can opt for a cozy movie night by deploying the large projector screen that rolls down, doubling as blackout blinds that cover the glass facade.
    Kimberley Mok, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • Though Polish presidential candidates often stand as individuals, rather than representatives of a party, there is little hiding their affiliations, and each major party historically endorses and campaigns for a candidate.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
  • How Was Antonio Navarro Murdered? At 7:30 a.m. on the morning of Aug. 16, 2017, as Antonio was leaving for work, Salvador hid in the couple’s building garage, according to TIME.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • The raw data obscures just how substantial and prolonged the downfall of the little guy in the NBA has been.
    Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 6 June 2025
  • Complicating matters further are sophisticated networks of onshore and offshore actors who facilitate illicit operations by obscuring catch data, obfuscating labor abuses, and lobbying to maintain lax regulations, according to C4ADS.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disguise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disguise. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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