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 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 mask

Noun

Pitching himself to a group of voters in October, Evans talked about opposing vaccine and mask mandates. —

Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 2 Nov. 2024 The order does not apply to children under the age of 2 years old, those with health conditions or disabilities that prevent mask wearing, those who are hearing-impaired and people who work in roles in which mask wearing would pose risks. —

Caelyn Pender, The Mercury News, 2 Nov. 2024

Verb

And yet this seeming simplicity masks a game of huge complexity. —

The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 28 Oct. 2024 This reveals orange, yellow and brown pigments masked by the chlorophyll. —

Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mask

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mask

Noun

Moo Deng has even become a popular Halloween costume this year, and starred on Saturday Night Live, when actor Bowen Yang featured her on the show's Weekend Update in October, discussing her perspective of newfound fame.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
In other photos, Khai was snapped climbing a tree, as well as walking outdoors in a skeleton costume and vibrant red and purple fleece for Halloween.

Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024