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

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 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

The documentary provides intimate access to Jarman and his collaborators, including Tilda Swinton and costume designer Sandy Powell, who are both executive producers on the new film.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026
The Cubs’ bullpen could be a scary Halloween costume next month.

— Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 3 Sep. 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

Meanwhile, past Big Brother alums Britney Haynes, Tiffany Mitchell, Cody Calafiore and Keanu Soto will return in royal medieval garb to challenge the remaining houseguests.

— Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
Then the host offered up a sneak peek of the competition, revealing footage of Big Brother all-stars Britney Haynes, Tiffany Mitchell, Keanu Soto, and Cody Calafiore in royal garb from the medieval era, seemingly there to oversee the proceedings.

— Patrick Gomez, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of garb

Noun

Dad didn’t buy it at Walmart or Bass Pro alongside camouflage galoshes and fly-fishing rods.

— Wilbert L. Cooper, Longreads, 25 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of camouflage

Noun

Trout, the face of the franchise, has nonetheless been clear and direct about his desire to remain in Anaheim.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
White County firefighter Will Roper rappelled down the rock face, secured the climber in a harness and attached him to a rope before he was brought to the top of the mountain.

— Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of face

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guilty

guise

guises

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Guise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guise. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of guise

noun

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