charade

noun

cha·​rade shə-ˈrād How to pronounce charade (audio) -ˈräd How to pronounce charade (audio)
1
: a word represented in riddling verse or by picture, tableau, or dramatic action (such as intrusion represented by depiction of inn, true, and shun)
2
charades plural : a game in which some of the players try to guess a word or phrase from the actions of another player who may not speak
3
: an empty or deceptive act or pretense
his concern was a charade

Examples of charade in a Sentence

We've grown tired of your charades. put on a convincing charade to keep her from knowing about the surprise party
Recent Examples on the Web Given the lack of real competition, it’s become common to dismiss the whole process as a meaningless charade. Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Mar. 2024 Russia’s upcoming charade is a classic example of voting without democracy. Brian Klaas, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2024 But what starts as a charade quickly becomes all too real as the two cannot deny how much the old chemistry and feelings are still there right below the surface. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 29 Feb. 2024 Though their encounter lasts just a minute, Giamatti can’t stop laughing at the charade, commending Friend’s startlingly familiar and hard-to-achieve mannerisms. Jake Kring-Schreifels, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 Political debates are never anything short of ridiculous charades where candidates lie, refuse to answer questions, and engage in virtually no actual debate. Rafael Perez, Orange County Register, 14 Feb. 2024 Woodson also dropped the charade of his NBA-style second unit, rarely having less than three of his best players on the floor at any time Friday night. Gregg Doyel, The Indianapolis Star, 13 Jan. 2024 As Clarence starts to believe his own charade, the filmmaker tries to shape lessons out of the madness. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Jan. 2024 Keeping up the charade for his entire family, Lucy spends Christmas with them and eventually falls for his brother (Bill Pullman). EW.com, 4 Dec. 2023

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

Word History

Etymology

French, from Occitan charrado chat, from charrá to chat, chatter

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of charade was in 1776

Dictionary Entries Near charade

Cite this Entry

“Charade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charade. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

charade

noun
cha·​rade shə-ˈrād How to pronounce charade (audio)
1
plural : a game in which some of the players try to guess a word or phrase from the actions of another player who may not speak
2
: an act that is meaningless or is meant to deceive

More from Merriam-Webster on charade

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