Vocabulary Spotlight
Charade
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: An absurd pretense intended to create a pleasant or respectable appearance; a word-guessing game in which players act out words or phrases.
“His apology was a charade meant only to appease the audience.”
Pronunciation
[shuh-reyd]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Farce
Mockery
Sham
Facade
Antonyms
Authenticity
Honesty
Reality
Genuineness
Related Words
Masquerade
Pretense
Word Origin
“Charade” originates from the French word “charade,” meaning “a riddle or guessing game.” It entered English in the late 18th century and evolved to describe both a party game and a deceptive act or pretense.
Word Family
Noun: Charade – A pretense or a game involving acting out words or phrases.
Related Words: Masquerade – A form of deceptive behavior or event involving disguise.
Mnemonics
Remember “Charade” as “CHARming Act DEceitfully”—implies a deceptive show.
Or, think of “charades” as a game where players act in a way that isn’t literal, symbolizing deception or pretense.
Industry-specific Usage
Entertainment
Charades is a popular party game in which players act out words or phrases for others to guess without speaking.
Politics
Political commentators may use “charade” to describe insincere or staged events aimed at public manipulation.
Business
In business, leaders may use “charade” metaphorically to describe empty gestures or actions that lack genuine impact.
In Context
Charades often occur in situations where appearances are maintained to hide the truth. From political stunts to superficial apologies, “charade” implies a lack of authenticity. The term can also refer to a playful party game, showing its range from the deceptive to the lighthearted.