charade

noun

cha·​rade shə-ˈrād  -ˈräd 

1

: a word represented in riddling verse or by picture, tableau, or dramatic action (such as intrusion represented by depiction of inn, true, and shun)

2

charades plural : a game in which some of the players try to guess a word or phrase from the actions of another player who may not speak

3

: an empty or deceptive act or pretense

his concern was a charade

Synonyms

• pretense
• facade
• show
• guise
• act
• pose
• pretence
• masquerade

Examples of charade in a Sentence

We've grown tired of your charades.

put on a convincing charade to keep her from knowing about the surprise party

Recent Examples on the Web

Liam, once aimless and unhoused, quickly finds purpose in the charade as a husband and father. —Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025

To create the showbiz charade of being a beast in the ring and a nice presentable housewife the rest of the time. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025

The $16 billion question is whether voters will demand accountability for this costly charade of simply continuing to struggle while politicians dance on their hardships. —Chip Monaco, Oc Register, 1 Sep. 2025

Only 29% bothered to respond, and NYCHA helpfully lumped the demolition answers together to claim 57% support, triumphantly branding the whole charade as a vote. —Layla Law-Gisiko, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Occitan charrado chat, from charrá to chat, chatter

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for charade

• afraid
• allayed
• arcade
• arrayed
• assayed
• barmaid
• betrayed
• blockade
• bridesmaid
• brigade
• brocade
• buffeted

Kids Definition

charade

noun

cha·​rade shə-ˈrād 

1

plural : a game in which some of the players try to guess a word or phrase from the actions of another player who may not speak

2

: an act that is meaningless or is meant to deceive