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
This moment will come in many guises.
—
Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
Both marques returned to the competition this year in new guises.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2026
At an Antarctic research station, a shape-shifting alien creature — in the initial guise of a dog — takes over and metamorphosizes into a variety of beings, supplanting the humans until their mutual distrust and isolation lead to paranoia and violence.
—David Morgan, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
Virtuosity, on this program, also came in subtler and more avant-garde guises.
—Rachel Howard, San Francisco Chronicle, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for guise
Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
Both marques returned to the competition this year in new guises.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2026
At an Antarctic research station, a shape-shifting alien creature — in the initial guise of a dog — takes over and metamorphosizes into a variety of beings, supplanting the humans until their mutual distrust and isolation lead to paranoia and violence.
—David Morgan, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
Virtuosity, on this program, also came in subtler and more avant-garde guises.
—Rachel Howard, San Francisco Chronicle, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for guise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guise
Noun
-
Maybe the pretense was comforting to him, too.—
Cassandra Neyenesch,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
-
As architectural fashion has shifted, the software is no longer associated with complex geometry, and the pretense that digital tools might liberate architects—spurring them to new heights of creativity—has faded.—
Julian Rose,
Artforum,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Competitions are planned ranging from a strawberry costume contest to pie eating and beer stein-holding.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The Asian version will take flight after the original contest takes place in Vienna in May, with 35 countries competing in the singing contest known for outrageous costumes, towering ballads and high-energy performances.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Some, like in Greece, even wear masks.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The man, later identified as Rodgers, wore a mask had appeared alongside conservative influencer Alex Stein.—
Miriam Fauzia,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Through the first eight games, the Angels have struck out in 31% of their plate appearances, which is even worse than last year’s 27% rate.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Koss, interestingly enough, made his first pitching appearance this season before getting his first at-bat.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Set the scene At a cobblestoned intersection in the Tribeca North Historic District, an industrialist red brick facade gives way to eight floors of ethereal Art Deco interior design straight out of the South of France.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Future plans include repurposing the building’s former drive-thru lane into an outdoor cafe and adding new jellyfish murals to its front facade.—
Phillip Valys,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Visitors come to the former silver-mining town for its renowned baths, strolling the pedestrian-only city center in yukata (a summer kimono) garb.—
Zoe Baillargeon,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Apr. 2026
-
As Meraj worked, a young man dressed in legal garb (black suit, white shirt) approached and ordered tea.—
Nathan Heller,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Leaf mimicry is an especially clever form of camouflage.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The observed activity could instead reflect internal neural processes, such as refinement of camouflage abilities.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
One of his favorite treats is Oreo cookies, which always bring a smile to his face.—
MARE Staff,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
-
The Kings came into the game stressing a good start, having been outscored 5-1 in the first period of their previous three outings, and instead face planted to spot the Maple Leafs a 2-0 lead through 20 minutes.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Guise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guise. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
