masked

masked — adjective

1. having a covering on part or all of one's face, usually to hide who one is, to p

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

having a covering on part or all of one's face, usually to hide who one is, to protect against illness, or as part of a special outfit

Example

The masked robber entered the bank and handed the teller a note.

crime context: masked robber / masked gunman

The nurse asked all masked visitors to wait outside the ward.

health context: masked visitors / masked patients

Common collocations
  • masked robber / gunman / intruder
  • masked visitors / patients
  • masked dancers / performers
  • masked figure / stranger
  • heavily masked
  • partially masked
Synonyms
  • covered

    broader meaning — can refer to any body part or object being covered, not just the face

  • veiled

    specifically describes a face covering (often a veil), with cultural or religious connotations

  • disguised

    emphasizes the intent to hide one's identity, not necessarily with a physical mask

Antonyms
  • unmasked

    direct opposite — having removed or not wearing a mask

  • bare-faced

    having one's face fully visible, no covering at all

Grammar Patterns

masked + noun

be masked

Usage Note

Commonly appears in news reports and formal writing (masked gunman, masked intruder). In everyday conversation, speakers usually say wearing a mask rather than using the adjective masked.

Common Mistakes

All staff were masked during the meeting.' (too formal for everyday use).
All staff were wearing masks during the meeting.
The adjective masked sounds stiff in casual speech; the phrase wearing a mask is preferred in everyday English.