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
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Recent Examples of guise
Trump has shattered diplomatic norms with explicit endorsements, fueling accusations from Mexico and Colombia that Washington is attempting to tilt foreign elections under the guise of fighting drugs.
—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
The business owners argue that they’ve been denied leases in Westport for racially discriminatory reasons under the guise of improving public safety.
—
Dylan Lysen,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2026
Footballing success, in differing guises, came a long time ago.
—
Adam Leventhal,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
Opponents of affirmative action, who suspect that the process is still continuing under other guises, could seek to replicate the winning strategy of the Harvard and UNC cases, if testing data show large, unexplainable gaps in academic preparation among different student groups.
—
Idrees Kahloon,
The Atlantic,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for guise
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
The business owners argue that they’ve been denied leases in Westport for racially discriminatory reasons under the guise of improving public safety.
—
Dylan Lysen,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2026
Footballing success, in differing guises, came a long time ago.
—
Adam Leventhal,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
Opponents of affirmative action, who suspect that the process is still continuing under other guises, could seek to replicate the winning strategy of the Harvard and UNC cases, if testing data show large, unexplainable gaps in academic preparation among different student groups.
—
Idrees Kahloon,
The Atlantic,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for guise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guise
Noun
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The longevity industry profits from mystifying the obvious, but Emanuel largely dispenses with pretense.
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In granting the President this unbridled authority, the Court upends its precedent, misconstrues our history, and sheds any pretense of judicial modesty.
Noun
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For those who love a ‘50s feel but prefer not to resemble a costume from the Spirit Halloween catalog, the On 34th minidress has that nostalgic look with a contemporary feel.
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McDaniel had purchased multiple superhero and supervillain costumes from overseas that were delivered to the two addresses, the affidavit said, citing customs records.
Noun
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Virginia is set to ban law enforcement officers from wearing masks, allow certain criminal convictions to be sealed and strengthen tenant protections when new laws go into effect this week.
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Police are looking for two additional suspects, both men spotted fleeing the scene of Purvis’ shooting wearing masks and hoodies.
Noun
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Swift and Kelce’s big day comes after months of speculation and back-to-back public appearances.
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Questions remain over whether the funeral will mark the first public appearance of Mojtaba Khamenei since his father and family members were killed on the first day of the war.
Noun
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Local Law 11 façade inspections will be required every six years, instead of five, and buildings that are in good shape can perform them with drones and cameras instead of workers dangling from the roof.
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With facades facing Seventh Avenue, 498 and 500 Seventh Avenue promised a future for America’s fashion capitol and over time, helped chart the success of Norman Norell, Bill Blass, Donna Karan and Ralph Lauren, among others.
Noun
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But it was then followed up by a Spanish hymn, sung by musicians, dressed in 18th-century Spanish Colonial attire, including the garb of soldado, vaquero, pioneers, military, and indigenous peoples.
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But what, exactly, is that robot doing watching fireworks next to a little boy and a man in antiquated garb?
Noun
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The resident of the house answered the door, and was met by a man wearing a gray sweatshirt and jeans, with a camouflage mask or bandana covering his mouth.
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Some of them wear face paint, camouflage uniforms, and ghillie suits — ducking in and out of foxholes cut into the ground.
Noun
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According to the report, the boy first developed progressive facial numbness and tingling on the right side of his face, followed by loss of appetite, painful swallowing and vomiting.
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Kiros, who defeated DeGette, is now the face of democratic socialists in the state.
Cite this Entry
“Guise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guise. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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