1
as in pretense
a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive
he allowed himself to dine at fine restaurants all over the world under the guise of research for his book on international cuisine
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in costume
clothing chosen as appropriate for a specific situation
she felt as though she should be wearing some sort of Germanic guise, complete with dirndl, for the fall festival featuring traditional German food and drink
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in mask
clothing put on to hide one's true identity or imitate someone or something else
he sneaked into the castle to rescue Ivanhoe in the guise of a priest coming to give Ivanhoe his last rites
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in appearance
outward and often deceptive indication
hazing rituals may have the guise of harmless fun, but often the reality is serious physical abuse
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 guise
The spherical heel is carved from lightweight cork, which appears in multiple guises in the season’s collection.
—
Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 10 July 2025
Across the nation, sightings of Roan in various guises – dentist, plumber, and more – have fueled speculation.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Marlon takes on the guise of a thug named Roach and of course overplays the role.
—Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2025
Pumping out 434-hp in its Japan-spec guise, the last A90 Supra was priced in its home country at 15 million yen or around $101,000.
—Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for guise
Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 10 July 2025
Across the nation, sightings of Roan in various guises – dentist, plumber, and more – have fueled speculation.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Marlon takes on the guise of a thug named Roach and of course overplays the role.
—Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2025
Pumping out 434-hp in its Japan-spec guise, the last A90 Supra was priced in its home country at 15 million yen or around $101,000.
—Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for guise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guise
Noun
-
In the case of Brazil, which now faces a potential 50% levy, the president has abandoned the pretense of using his tariff policy to shore up trade deficits.—
Garrett Haake,
NBC news,
10 July 2025
-
Over the past several years, numerous individuals have been arrested after allegedly attempting to enter the property under suspicious or false pretenses, in some cases carrying electronic equipment or claiming to have messages for the president.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
The costume department is very keen to have tiny metaphors.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
28 July 2025
-
There’s a multitude of panels, showcases, costume galas, cosplay and much more.—
Tiffany Leigh,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
Noun
-
After multiple rounds of testing, this sleep mask, now on sale for 31 percent off, earned a spot in our list of Best Sleep Masks due to its face-molding memory foam construction and adjustable strap.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
26 July 2025
-
Before, actors would in be suits and the actor would wear a giant mask so the Predator's mandibles and jaws were controlled by filmmakers.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
Noun
-
The man accused of stabbing to death two people who were hiking at Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday was ordered held without bond and appointed an attorney at a brief first appearance hearing Friday at the Washington County Detention Center.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Ahead of the fest closers, Gracie Abrams wowed fans with a surprise appearance from Robyn, Cage the Elephant paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, and many more artists made waves.—
Althea Legaspi,
Rolling Stone,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The Space Mountain facade will be bathed in Fantastic Four projection lighting effects at night and Tomorrowland restaurants will sell movie themed food and a Clobberin’ Time sipper in the shape of The Thing’s fist.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
22 July 2025
-
The full facade is now the same shade of pink as the rest of the building.—
Katherine Weaver,
Chicago Tribune,
20 July 2025
Noun
-
His mother-in-law, dressed in traditional garb, had traveled in from Liberia for the event.—
Hannah Dreyfus,
AZCentral.com,
5 July 2025
-
Alcaraz came out looking the part in garb not dissimilar to the great Roger Federer’s whiter than white cardigan range.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
Pieces from the capsules feature camouflage, shimmering fabrics, floral embroidery, rhinestones, rivets and unexpected silhouettes, all crafted with beach days, poolside hangs and party nights in mind.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
25 July 2025
-
Here, 20 one-bedroom bungalows are clad in fashion designer Todd Snyder’s signature motifs of military camouflage, menswear plaids, and his exclusive red-and-black Heritage Plaid (designed in collaboration with L.L. Bean).—
Katie Kelly Bell,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
After getting his start on Saturday Night Live in the 1990s, Sandler quickly became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces.—
Declan Gallagher,
EW.com,
26 July 2025
-
When Watkins flipped open the visor of his helmet, Donnelly’s face had turned blue.—
Don Riddell,
CNN Money,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Guise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guise. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share