mas·quer·ade
ˌma-skə-ˈrād 
1
a
: a social gathering of persons wearing masks and often fantastic costumes
b
: a costume for wear at such a gathering
2
: an action or appearance that is mere disguise or show
masqueraded; masquerading
1
a
: to disguise oneself
also
: to go about disguised
b
: to take part in a masquerade
2
: to assume the appearance of something one is not
masquerader
noun
Examples of masquerade in a Sentence
Noun
She could not keep up the masquerade any longer.
although she was deeply bored, she maintained a masquerade of polite interest as her guest droned on
Verb
He was masquerading under a false name.
Recent Examples on the Web
Claire Franken, TVLine, 14 Feb. 2025
Per Variety, key moments from An Offer from a Gentleman, such as the masquerade ball and a pivotal lakeside scene, will be central to the season's storyline.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Chadd Scott, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
The Little Maria controversy did no favors for human-rights activists, either, whom the government liked to paint as feckless—or even as smugglers masquerading as do-gooders.
—Lauren Markham, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for masquerade
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Noun
The show first hinted at Sophie’s arrival in the Season 3 finale, when Eloise mentioned her mother Violet’s forthcoming masquerade ball.
—Claire Franken, TVLine, 14 Feb. 2025
Per Variety, key moments from An Offer from a Gentleman, such as the masquerade ball and a pivotal lakeside scene, will be central to the season's storyline.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
Psychological harassment masquerading as public works.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
The Little Maria controversy did no favors for human-rights activists, either, whom the government liked to paint as feckless—or even as smugglers masquerading as do-gooders.
—Lauren Markham, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for masquerade
Cite this Entry
“Masquerade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masquerade. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
masquerade
1 of 2 noun
mas·quer·ade
ˌmas-kə-ˈrād
1
: a party (as a dance) at which people wear masks and often fantastic costumes
2
: an action or appearance that is only a disguise or outward show : pose
masquerade
2 of 2 verb
masqueraded; masquerading
1
: to take part in a masquerade
2
: to assume the appearance of something one is not : pose
masquerader
noun
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