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

Example 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

Now, a week ahead of the show’s anniversary, the beauty celebrity bottled up her iconic runway moment into a single-step peel-off mask: the Skin Fetish: Glass 001 Artistry Mask. —

India Espy-Jones, Essence, 24 Jan. 2025 Wearing a mask is recommended around birds or poultry. —

Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2025

Verb

And don't worry, the cocoa blend will mask any of the vegetal flavors. —

Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 21 Jan. 2025 Holes in Miller’s game have come up in seasons past, especially when power-play scoring masked some of the deficiencies below the surface. —

Shayna Goldman, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for mask

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mask

Noun

Or that costume designer Shirley Kurata doesn’t deserve 22 awards for Malkovich’s outfits alone.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Jan. 2025
Danica McKellar Celebrates Milestone Birthday with Makeup-Free Selfie After greeting her guests, McKellar heated up the dance floor with a costume change and a surprise ballroom dance number.

— Breanne L. Heldman, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025