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 Willis’ two young sons feature as kids happy to unmask before the uncertain adults. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 10 Mar. 2024 What was going through your head during this major celebrity unmasking? Lauren Huff, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024 Sheldon Riley unmasks himself during emotional performance Sheldon Riley is ready to show a different side. USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2024 In an effort to prove her case, Chen subpoenaed Herridge and Fox News, with the hope of unmasking the reporting’s sources. Oliver Darcy, CNN, 29 Feb. 2024 Meta claimed that the personas were carrying out social engineering attacks on targets, attempting to get the victims to click on links that would unmask their IP address. Forbes Daily, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 The scientist has sued the FBI for leaking her name and subpoenaed Herridge and Fox News in an effort to unmask her sources. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 13 Feb. 2024 In 2023, film companies lost two attempts to have Reddit unmask its users. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 12 Jan. 2024 Nick, 43, revealed that Husky would be the first competitor eliminated on Wednesday and had to unmask. Dana Rose Falcone, Peoplemag, 7 Dec. 2023

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 29 Mar. 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
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