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
Synonyms of masquerade
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
Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 5 Feb. 2026
But as the night deepens and clues twist in unexpected directions, Hannah will need every ounce of intuition—and maybe a little help from family—to uncover the truth before the masquerade’s final dance.
—Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
With goalkeeper Alisson masquerading as Peter Crouch upfield in Liverpool’s attack, Szoboszlai aimed his delivery roughly in his direction from deep, but City’s Marc Guehi won the first header.
—Simon Hughes, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for masquerade
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Noun
Filled with beads, sequins, parades, and masquerade balls, the grand finale of the carnival season calls for a manicure that’s just as showstopping.
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 5 Feb. 2026
But as the night deepens and clues twist in unexpected directions, Hannah will need every ounce of intuition—and maybe a little help from family—to uncover the truth before the masquerade’s final dance.
—Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
Compassion and wisdom become free-floating signifiers, detached from any actual relationship to other people, masquerading as something profound.
—Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
With goalkeeper Alisson masquerading as Peter Crouch upfield in Liverpool’s attack, Szoboszlai aimed his delivery roughly in his direction from deep, but City’s Marc Guehi won the first header.
—Simon Hughes, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for masquerade
Cite this Entry
“Masquerade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masquerade. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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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