dissemble
[dih-sem-buhl]
verb (used with object), dis·sem·bled, dis·sem·bling.
to give a false or misleading appearance to; conceal the truth or real nature of: to dissemble one's incompetence in business.
to put on the appearance of; feign: to dissemble innocence.
Obsolete. to let pass unnoticed; ignore.
verb (used without object), dis·sem·bled, dis·sem·bling.
to conceal one's true motives, thoughts, etc., by some pretense; speak or act hypocritically.
Origin of dissemble
Synonyms for dissemble
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for dissembler
bigot, trickster, impostor, phony, crook, charlatan, quack, hypocrite, fraud, actor, deceiver, faker, imitator, fake, snob, dissembler, cheat, decoy, mountebank, informerExamples from the Web for dissembler
Historical Examples of dissembler
Balboa was something of a dissembler himself on occasion, as you will see.
South American Fights and FightersCyrus Townsend Brady
He was not a hypocrite, indeed, as to his virtues—a dissembler only in his ambition.
Athens: Its Rise and Fall, CompleteEdward Bulwer-Lytton
How are hypocrite and dissembler contrasted with each other?
English Synonyms and AntonymsJames Champlin Fernald
Well, thought I, I must put on the dissembler a little, I see.
Pamela, or Virtue RewardedSamuel Richardson
At last, as he was no dissembler, he burst out passionately, "Why are you my enemy?"
Hard CashCharles Reade
dissemble
verb
Word Origin for dissemble
C15: from earlier dissimulen, from Latin dissimulāre; probably influenced by obsolete semble to resemble
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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dissemble
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper