Meaning & use
dissemblers
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“dissemblers” is a form of “dissembler”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nouncountableformalliterary
People who hide their true feelings, intentions, or identity behind a false appearance.
Grammar: Countable noun; the singular is 'dissembler' and takes a plural verb: 'dissemblers are...'.
Patterns
- a dissembler who ...
- be exposed as a dissembler
- a pair of dissemblers
The novel's dissemblers smile at their guests while plotting against them.
Historians describe him as one of the great dissemblers of his age.
She distrusted dissemblers who praised her only to gain her vote.
nouncountableformaldisapproving
People who pretend to be something they are not, especially to avoid blame or gain an advantage.
Grammar: Countable noun; often used with words like 'skilled' or 'cunning' before it.
Patterns
- skilled dissemblers
- dissemblers and liars
- accuse someone of being a dissembler
The report called them dissemblers who had misled the public for years.
In politics, dissemblers rarely admit that they have changed their position.
He was no dissembler: whatever he thought, he said.
Word forms
| singular | dissembler |
|---|
Common combinations
- a skilled dissembler
- She was a skilled dissembler, able to keep her anger hidden all evening.
- expose someone as a dissembler
- The letters exposed him as a dissembler who had lied to his family.
- no dissembler
- He is no dissembler; his face shows exactly what he feels.
- accuse someone of being a dissembler
- Her rivals accused her of being a dissembler during the negotiations.
Synonyms and how they differ
- hypocrite
- A hypocrite claims to have moral standards they do not follow, while a dissembler mainly conceals feelings or plans.
- deceiver
- A deceiver actively makes others believe something false, whereas a dissembler may simply stay silent about the truth.
- pretender
- A pretender puts on a false role or claim, often openly; a dissembler hides what is really there.
Word family
- dissemble verb
- To hide your true feelings or intentions.
- dissembling noun
- The act of hiding your true feelings or purposes.
- dissemblance noun
- A rare noun meaning a false or misleading appearance.
Commonly confused: dissemblers or dissemble?
dissemblers vs dissemble
'Dissemble' is the verb meaning to hide your true motives; 'disassemble' means to take something apart. They look similar but are unrelated in meaning.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'dissemblers' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Dissemblers' means people who hide their true feelings or intentions, so smiling while secretly planning to vote no fits. Option A describes 'disassembling' (taking apart), which is a different word; the other options make no sense with this noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “dissemblers”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.