unmask

verb

un·​mask ˌən-ˈmask How to pronounce unmask (audio)
unmasked; unmasking; unmasks

transitive verb

1
: to reveal the true nature of : expose
2
: to remove a mask from

intransitive verb

: to remove one's mask

Examples of unmask in a Sentence

He was unmasked as a spy. the killer's identity won't be unmasked until the season's final episode
Recent Examples on the Web Finally, Goldfish unmasked as High School Musical star Hudgens, 35. Dana Rose Falcone, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024 This meant Gumball had to unmask, and final guesses for his identity were... not the panel's best work to-date. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 23 May 2024 New reports unmasking the violent counter-protestors In recent months, at Berkeley and dozens of other campuses, student groups have organized protests using the name Students for Justice in Palestine. Will Carless, USA TODAY, 22 May 2024 The studio audience and the panel cast their votes for their favorite performance of the night and whoever received the fewest amount of votes would unmask. Dana Rose Falcone, Peoplemag, 16 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for unmask 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unmask.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of unmask was in 1562

Dictionary Entries Near unmask

Cite this Entry

“Unmask.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unmask. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

unmask

verb
un·​mask ˌən-ˈmask How to pronounce unmask (audio)
ˈən-
: to strip of a mask or a disguise : expose
unmask a traitor

More from Merriam-Webster on unmask

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!