masquerader
One wearing disguise
A masquerader is someone wearing a mask or costume, especially at a masquerade ball or carnival.
By extension, anyone pretending to be something they're not: The con artist was a masquerader posing as a wealthy investor.
The word carries overtones of deception or playful concealment.
Illegitimate claimant to power
- impostorOne feigning another's identity
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- charlatanFaker claiming false expertise
- fakerOne who pretends
deceiver · phony · hoaxer · sham · con artist · trickster · dissembler · wolf in sheep's clothing
Long formal garment
- capeShouldered sleeveless wrap
- feathersBird's lightweight covering
- sequinsSmall reflective fabric ornaments
- glitterDecorative metallic flecks
makeup · wig · headdress · robe · corset · tights · tunic · attire
Assumed public identity
- alter egoA secondary persona
- dualityTwofold nature
- hidden selfConcealed true identity
- doubleTwice the amount
secret identity · transformation · anonymity · incognito · assumed name · alias · false face · role-playing
pretender
Illegitimate claimant to power
- impostorOne feigning another's identity
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- charlatanFaker claiming false expertise
faker · deceiver · phony · hoaxer · sham · con artist · trickster · dissembler · wolf in sheep's clothing · mountebank
gown
Long formal garment
- capeShouldered sleeveless wrap
- feathersBird's lightweight covering
- sequinsSmall reflective fabric ornaments
glitter · makeup · wig · headdress · robe · corset · tights · tunic · attire · garb
persona
Assumed public identity
- alter egoA secondary persona
- dualityTwofold nature
- hidden selfConcealed true identity
double · secret identity · transformation · anonymity · incognito · assumed name · alias · false face · role-playing · charade
ball
Spherical plaything or gala
- galaFestive formal occasion
- Mardi GrasPre-Ash Wednesday celebration
- VenetianOf or from Venice
carnival · revelry · festivity · parade · pageant · fete · soiree · dance · merrymaking · fiesta
- deceiversliar, liars, deceiver, fraud, fake
- festival peoplefestivalgoer, performer, attendee, vendor, volunteer
- partygoerspartygoers, party-goer, party-goers, attendee, partier
masqueraderauthentic self
One's genuine identity
true self · real McCoy · straight shooter · open book · truth-teller
masqueraderunmasker
One who reveals deceptions
exposer · revealer · whistleblower · debunker · truth-teller
- masquerade ballFormal dance with disguises
- masquerade maskFestive facial disguise
masquerade, masquerades, masqueraded, masquerading, masqueraders