masquerade

[ mas-kuh-reyd ]

noun

1. a party, dance, or other festive gathering of persons wearing masks and other disguises, and often elegant, historical, or fantastic costumes.

   Synonyms: mummery

2. a costume or disguise worn at such a gathering.
3. false outward show; façade; pretense:

   a hypocrite's masquerade of virtue.

4. activity, existence, etc., under false pretenses:

   a rich man's masquerade as a beggar.

verb (used without object)

, mas·quer·ad·ed, mas·quer·ad·ing.

1. to go about under false pretenses or a false character; assume the character of; give oneself out to be:

   to masquerade as a former Russian count.

2. to disguise oneself.
3. to take part in a masquerade.

masquerade

/ ˌmæskəˈreɪd /

noun

1. a party or other gathering to which the guests wear masks and costumes
2. the disguise worn at such a function
3. a pretence or disguise

verb

1. to participate in a masquerade; disguise oneself
2. to dissemble

Derived Forms

• ˌmasquerˈader, noun

Other Words From

• masquer·ader noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of masquerade¹

1580–90; earlier masquerada, mascarado, pseudo-Spanish forms of Middle French mascarade < Upper Italian mascherada; mask, -ade ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of masquerade¹

C16: from Spanish mascarada, from mascara mask

Example Sentences

A nomination is almost assured, but there’s already a backlash brewing against the film, with critics complaining that it’s a “regressive picture masquerading as progressive” and a “wild ride to nowhere.”

From Los Angeles Times

She said Kwan was masquerading as a community nurse so he could "administer a lethal injection" to his victim, and Mr O'Hara had no reason to suspect his visitor was not genuine.

From BBC

Nitazenes were also found in substances masquerading as promethazine, an allergy medication.

From BBC

Held at the Row DTLA, a retail and shopping complex in downtown Los Angeles, ChainFest was an embarrassment, a marketing charade masquerading as a nostalgia party.

From Los Angeles Times

“This protected area is owned by the people. Don’t be arrogant!” wrote another, along with an image telling the reserve to “stop masquerading as a protector of nature”.

From BBC