unmask

verb

un·​mask ˌən-ˈmask How to pronounce unmask (audio)
unmasked; unmasking; unmasks
Synonyms of unmasknext

transitive verb

1
: to reveal the true nature of : expose
She was unmasked as a spy.
2
: to remove a mask from

intransitive verb

: to remove one's mask

Examples of unmask in a Sentence

He was unmasked as a spy. the killer's identity won't be unmasked until the season's final episode
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
By studying these distortions across large swathes of the universe, scientists can get closer to unmasking dark matter and its various hiding places. CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026 That momentary unmasking could give the immune system a chance to recognize the parasite and stop the invasion. Kwesi Akonu Adom Mensah Forson, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026 By the end of that first half hour, he has been unmasked as the bloody avenger of the backyard. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 24 Jan. 2026 Thankfully, this week's episode wasted no time in rectifying that, and the Croissants were unmasked at the top of the evening. Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unmask

Word History

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of unmask was in 1562

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unmask.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unmask. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

unmask

verb
un·​mask ˌən-ˈmask How to pronounce unmask (audio)
ˈən-
: to strip of a mask or a disguise : expose
unmask a traitor

More from Merriam-Webster on unmask

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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