1. a formal dance or party where people wear masks and costumes
2. a false show or pretense; something that conceals the truth

1. to pretend to be someone or something else; to disguise oneself

Examples

• The charity held an elegant masquerade at the hotel ballroom.
• She wore a beautiful feathered mask to the masquerade.
• His kindness was just a masquerade to hide his selfish motives.
• The whole operation was a masquerade designed to fool investors.
• He tried to masquerade as a wealthy businessman.
• The spy masqueraded as a tourist while gathering intelligence.
• Don’t masquerade your laziness as perfectionism.