rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryfacadeDeceptive outward show
noun

facade

fuh-SAHD/fəˈsɑːd/

A false outward appearance hiding a different reality.

The smiling mask creates a facade over her sorrowful face.

A sorrowful woman holds a smiling mask in front of her real face.
Etymology
facciataItalianfront of a building

A building's front became a figurative outward show that can hide a different reality.

More examples

  • The cheerful facade concealed serious worries.
  • He maintained a facade of confidence.

Forms

facade

Similar words

pretense
Emphasizes deliberately appearing other than one is.
veneer
Suggests a thin superficial appearance covering something different.