facades
/fəˈsɑːdz/
NOUN
1. The front faces of buildings
The exterior front surfaces or elevations of buildings, especially the sides that face streets or public spaces.
1.1. Architectural fronts and building exteriors
The visible front sides of buildings, particularly those distinguished by their architectural design, decoration, or appearance.
Synonyms
- fronts
- frontages
- frontals
- faces
- exteriors
- frontispieces
Antonyms
Examples
- The historic facades along the main street feature intricate carvings and decorative stonework.
- Architects worked to preserve the original facades of the old buildings.
Related Words
- elevations
- building fronts
- exterior walls
- architectural features
- front elevations
NOUN
2. Deceptive outward appearances
Outward appearances, attitudes, or presentations that conceal the true nature, feelings, intentions, or unpleasant realities of something or someone.
2.1. False appearances concealing reality
Outward impressions deliberately maintained to hide the actual character, condition, or truth behind a person, organization, or situation.
Synonyms
- false fronts
- veneers
- guises
- masks
- disguises
- semblances
- pretenses
- pretences
- charades
- shows
- appearances
- window dressings
- covers
- fronts
Antonyms
- realities
- truths
- authenticity
- genuineness
- sincerity
- honesty
- candor
- frankness
Examples
- Behind their cheerful facades, the employees were struggling with dissatisfaction and uncertainty.
- The investigation exposed the company's impressive public facades as carefully constructed deceptions.
Related Words
- deceptions
- misrepresentations
- dissimulations
- duplicities
- camouflages
- concealments
- illusions
- cover-ups
2.2. Pretended personalities and insincere behavior
Artificial attitudes, personalities, or displays of emotion that people adopt to create a misleading impression of their genuine feelings or intentions.
Synonyms
- affectations
- poses
- pretenses
- pretences
- acts
- put-ons
- personas
- masquerades
- performances
Antonyms
- sincerity
- genuineness
- candor
- frankness
- forthrightness
- authenticity
Examples
- Their confident facades concealed deep insecurities and fear of failure.
- The public figures maintained carefully rehearsed facades to protect their private lives.
Related Words
- playacting
- dissimulation
- dissembling
- impersonation
- duplicity
- deceit