charade

[shuh-reyd, shuh-rahd]

noun

1. (used with a singular verb),  charades, a game in which the players are typically divided into two teams, members of which take turns at acting out in pantomime a word, phrase, title, etc., which the members of their own team must guess.

2. a word or phrase acted out in this game.

3. a blatant pretense or deception, especially something so full of pretense as to be a travesty.

charade

/ ʃəˈrɑːd /

noun

1. an episode or act in the game of charades

2. an absurd act; travesty

Word History and Origins

Origin of charade¹

1770–80; < French < Provençal charrad ( o ) entertainment, equivalent to charr ( á ) to chat, chatter (from imitative root) + -ado -ade ¹

Example Sentences

“His actions — and those of his Cabinet — are against our deeply held American values. He needs to stop this illegal charade now.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The decision on how to proceed now rests with Macron, who must surely be asking himself how long this political charade can be allowed to go on.

Read more on BBC

Dannon said a two-state solution was taken "off the table" after the 7 October attack and called this week's talks at the UN a "charade".

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Ferguson, standing alone when the court’s majority allowed the racist charade of “separate but equal.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They appear to know the victims of this charade aren’t criminals, but ordinary people just trying to live their lives.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• deception 
• farce 
• travesty