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

• act
• airs
• disguise
• facade
• façade
• front
• guise
• masquerade
• playacting
• pose
• pretense
• pretence
• put-on
• semblance
• show

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

Tremayne’s guilty plea in the Central District of California marks a final point in the charade the former San Gabriel Valley resident carried on for nearly 10 years through his businesses, including Timeless Treasures. —Michael Loria, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025

The only reasonable choice Democrats have left in this process is to not engage in the charade at all. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025

Higher-ups and colleagues see through the charade as dishonest. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025

Say this for Communist Cuba: The rulers don’t have much time for charades. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 24 Feb. 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