GUISE Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

guise

noun

ˈgīz

Definition of guise

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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

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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 Everything from the division of the Peaches and the Plums to Shamea’s tagline this season is a secret cry from Shamea to Porsha, begging for attention under the guise of her own emancipation. — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 29 June 2026 After examining her injury, Brito began to caress and massage Patient 1’s foot under the guise of providing care. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026 The slow-burn thriller is partially based on a 17th century ballad in which the heroic outlaw’s cousin, a malevolent prioress, bleeds the older, ailing Robin to death under the guise of the ancient medical treatment known as bloodletting. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026 In a post on X, Bugti said that those who target state officials under the guise of peaceful protest would not escape accountability. — ABC News, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for guise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for guise

Noun

Behind closed doors, Chloe gets hired by Melody under the pretense that Chloe is helping her teacher’s illiterate husband learn how to read.

— Matt Minton, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
This entire argument has been under the pretense that the Steelers will need a win — and Rudolph will deliver it.

— Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of pretense

Noun

Katy Rudd is set to direct with set and costume designs by Tony-winning Rob Howell (Matilda the Musical) and choreography from Ellen Kane.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
One of those people is costume designer Debra McGuire, who recently shared the intimate details of her brief collaboration with Parton in the 1990s.

— Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of costume

Noun

Anonymous English rock band mixes metalcore with electronica while performing in masks.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
The excessive proliferation of totems and masks as decor is more closely associated with Beachcomber offshoots and descendants in the ’50s and ’60s.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of mask

Noun

By comparison, prior to Warsh taking office, officials averaged roughly 23 public appearances during the same two-week period following each Fed policy meeting since 2022.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Harris, making just his eighth career appearance, set the tone by pitching two perfect innings with two strikeouts to record his second career hold.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of appearance

Noun

The two-family home, designed by the Swiss architect Inès Lamunière, with a severe white stucco and glass façade, highlighter-orange doors, and twisting form, stood out in a neighborhood of 19th-century brownstones and multifamily brick buildings.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 27 Aug. 2026
Yet behind the spectacle, the biggest symbols of their supposedly limitless riches were a facade to make their lives appear better than reality, according to the brothers’ own lawyers.

— Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of facade

Noun

The experience concludes with a performance from dancers in traditional garb and a candle lighting signifying the union between Panamanian and French cultures (Sofitel’s homeland).

— DeMarco Williams, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Creators on social media are showing themselves pitching polyester garb and searching for natural materials.

— Footwear News, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of garb

Noun

From glosses and lowlights to temporary root sprays, there are plenty of ways to soften, blend or camouflage grays without signing yourself up for a standing root appointment every four weeks.

— Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
On his chest was a cartoon teddy bear dressed in camouflage emblazoned with El Chapo’s initials JGL, short for Joaquín Guzmán Loera.

— Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of camouflage

Noun

Grande became the face of an ongoing conversation around health, and the cultural pendulum swing away from body positivity to the glorification of thinness, ignited by the proliferation of weight-loss drugs.

— José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026
Tatcha’s top three stock keeping units today include its $74 Dewy Skin Cream, one jar of which is sold every 30 seconds, as well as the lightweight Water Cream and Rice Wash face wash, priced at $74 and $40, respectively.

— Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of face

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guilty

guise

guises

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Style

“Guise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guise. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of guise

noun

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