mask
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for mask, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A covering worn over the face for disguise, protection, or costume.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A covering worn over the face for disguise, protection, or costume.
“Painters should wear a mask when sanding old walls indoors.”
How to use mask
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
wear a mask
mask your feelings
a face mask
Etymology
From Middle French masque, from Italian maschera, from Medieval Latin masca — a doublet of "masque" and "mesh," and the source of "mascara" and "mascot" too.
Full origin of mask →Frequently asked questions
What does “mask” mean?
The word “mask” means a covering worn over the face for disguise, protection, or costume. In plain terms, a face covering, or by extension, anything that hides the truth.
How do you pronounce “mask”?
“Mask” is pronounced mahsk (/mæsk/ in IPA).
How do you use “mask” in a sentence?
Here is “mask” used in a sentence: “The surgeon put on a mask before entering the operating room.”
What is another word for “mask”?
Words with a similar meaning to “mask” include vizard.
What part of speech is “mask”?
Depending on how it is used, “mask” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “mask” come from?
The word “mask” comes from Medieval Latin. From Middle French masque, from Italian maschera, from Medieval Latin masca — a doublet of "masque" and "mesh," and the source of "mascara" and "mascot" too.
Is “mask” a common word?
“Mask” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “mask” have?
“Mask” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a covering worn over the face for disguise, protection, or costume.
What is the difference between a 'mask' and a 'disguise'?
A 'mask' is a specific covering worn over the face for disguise, protection, or costume. A 'disguise' is broader, meaning anything you use to change your appearance and hide your identity, of which a mask may be one part.
What is the difference between 'mask' and 'veil'?
A mask covers the face and is used for disguise, protection, or costume. A veil is usually a light fabric that partly covers the face or head, often for modesty or ceremony rather than concealing identity or offering protection.
What words commonly go with 'mask'?
As a noun, 'mask' pairs with words like face, surgical, gas, and Halloween. As a verb it often appears in phrases such as mask the pain, mask the smell, or mask the truth.
