MASK Synonyms: 112 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'mask' differ from other similar words?

The words cloak and disguise are common synonyms of mask . While all three words mean "to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature," mask suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something. // smiling to mask his discontent

Q: When is 'cloak' a more appropriate choice than 'mask'?

Although the words cloak and mask have much in common, cloak suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention. // cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy

Q: When can 'disguise' be used instead of 'mask'?

The words disguise and mask can be used in similar contexts, but disguise implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity. // disguised herself as a peasant

mask 1 of 2

noun

ˈmask

Definition of mask next

as in costume

a cover or partial cover for the face used to disguise oneself an elaborate mask that would be suitable for a fancy masquerade ball

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in veil

something that covers or conceals like a piece of cloth his unexpected friendliness is just a mask, for he always has an ulterior motive

Synonyms & Similar Words

mask

2 of 2

verb

as in to disguise

to change the dress or looks of so as to conceal true identity the federal agents masked their surveillance vehicle so that it looked like an ordinary moving van

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to conceal

to keep secret or shut off from view masked his real motives for wanting to see the house that was for sale

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb mask differ from other similar words?

The words cloak and disguise are common synonyms of mask. While all three words mean "to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature," mask suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something.

smiling to mask his discontent

When is cloak a more appropriate choice than mask?

Although the words cloak and mask have much in common, cloak suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention.

cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy

When can disguise be used instead of mask?

The words disguise and mask can be used in similar contexts, but disguise implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity.

disguised herself as a peasant

Examples of mask in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Finally, for intensive moisturizing at night, be sure to use a nourishing lip mask. —

Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 16 Oct. 2024 The incident occurred after some passengers allegedly did not wear masks during the first leg of their journey, at a time when the airline was still requiring all passengers to wear masks onboard. —

Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024

Verb

But this moment of solidarity between two old Cold War adversaries masked a messy tangle of compromises. —

Issie Lapowsky, WIRED, 10 Oct. 2024 Perhaps most notably, this week and season has shown that Parisians believe in makeup that enhances rather than masks the skin. —

Stixx Mathews, Essence, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mask

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mask.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.