an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading; "he hoped his claims would have a semblance of authenticity"; "he tried to give his falsehood the gloss of moral sanction"; "the situation soon took on a different color"
making a false outward show; "a beggar's masquerade of wealth"
a party of guests wearing costumes and masks
pretend to be someone or something that you are not; "he is masquerading as an expert on the Internet"; "This silly novel is masquerading as a serious historical treaty"