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
Despite being dressed in a disguise and giving police a fake name, Elizabeth was ultimately saved by authorities and reunited with her family — while her kidnappers were taken into custody. Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 8 June 2025 California law already bans wearing a mask or other disguise, including a fake mustache, wig or beard to hide your identity and evade law enforcement while committing a crime, but there are no current laws about what police can or cannot wear. Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
Verb
Kim’s method of disguising his true identity was elaborate and involved the use of popular tech networking and job websites. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 2 July 2025 But the pair drew positives amid the disappointment and Ian could not disguise his pride. Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for disguise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disguise
Noun
  • Traditional makeup routines typically require actors to paint their faces red and white and spend time dressing in elaborate costumes and flashy headpieces.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
  • Accessorize: Shop 7-Eleven's special Birthday Collection, including T-shirts and Slurpee costumes online at 7Collection.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Pumping out 434-hp in its Japan-spec guise, the last A90 Supra was priced in its home country at 15 million yen or around $101,000.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Renowned for a distinct sense of minimalism, the new Ming 20.01 series 5 guise is anything but.
    Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The Republicans’ shrewd assault on transgender rights put the Democrats on the defensive and effectively camouflaged the existential menace of Project 2025.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2025
  • Unlike more agile or camouflaged species, torpedo rays tend to be slow-moving and often lie hidden on the seafloor.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Verb
  • Hiding your number conceals it from everyone, including friends, family, and coworkers who have your number saved on their device, so there is a chance the call might go unanswered.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 25 July 2025
  • These methods conceal the user’s real card number and give the payment network control over spending caps, merchant lists and transaction permissions.
    Darko Pavic, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • Before, actors would in be suits and the actor would wear a giant mask so the Predator's mandibles and jaws were controlled by filmmakers.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 26 July 2025
  • After multiple rounds of testing, this sleep mask, now on sale for 31 percent off, earned a spot in our list of Best Sleep Masks due to its face-molding memory foam construction and adjustable strap.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • The Space Mountain facade will be bathed in Fantastic Four projection lighting effects at night and Tomorrowland restaurants will sell movie themed food and a Clobberin’ Time sipper in the shape of The Thing’s fist.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 22 July 2025
  • The full facade is now the same shade of pink as the rest of the building.
    Katherine Weaver, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • But unlike other technologies, AI doesn’t hide its default bias.
    Pia Lauritzen, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • More than a month after the shooting, police located the vehicle Orona had driven, hidden on a Buckeye property owned by his girlfriend’s family.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • By the time of totality at 3:20 p.m., dense clouds obscured the view, with an eerie darkness and a golden horizon.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • He was either shrouded in haze (the gasps of the fog machine eventually became indistinguishable from the vapor being collectively exhaled by the crowd) or obscured by low-angle backlighting.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disguise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disguise. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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