A charadeAn action or situation that hides the truth and seems real. is something that gives a falseNot true; misleading or incorrect. appearanceThe way something seems to be at first glance., or it can be a word acted out in the guessing game charades. The word is most often used for the first meaning in everyday English.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ʃəˈreɪd/
Easy pronunciation: shuh-RAYD (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the second syllable: rayd.
Uses the noun sense meaning a false outward show or pretense, not the game.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Charade Meaning
a fake show that hides the truth
Part of speech: noun
Definition: something that presents a false outward appearance; a sham or pretense
Example: Their happy family image was just a charade.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- masquerade — A strong synonym for a false outward show or pretense.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Charade
Meaning 2
a word you mime in the guessing game charades
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a word acted out in the game of charades
Example: She guessed the charade in under ten seconds.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Charade Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- masquerade
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- People sometimes think charade only means the party game, but the more common meaning is a false show or pretense.
- It is not usually a synonym for 'joke' or 'act' in general.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does charade mean?
Charade usually means a false outward show or pretense. It can also mean a word that someone acts out in the game of charades.
What is a synonym for charade?
In the main sense, a good synonym is masquerade.
Is charade the same as charades?
No. Charade is the singular word. Charades is the game where players act out words or phrases.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.