1. a game in which players act out words or phrases without speaking while others try to guess what they are
Usage: usually plural
2. an absurd pretense intended to create a pleasant or respectable appearance
Usage: usually plural; often disapproving

Examples

• We played charades at the party last night.
• She acted out the movie title during charades.
• The children love playing charades on rainy days.
• His apology was just charades to avoid punishment.
• The whole trial was charades – everyone knew the outcome.
• They went through the charades of a formal meeting.
• Charades is a popular party game for all ages.