noun

facade

/fəˈsɑːd/ · say it: fuh·SAHD

a deceptive outward appearance

In Nuance & Precision

the front or face of a building

In Architecture & Design

In more detail

1. (noun) the front wall or face of a building

2. (noun) a false appearance or deceptive outward show that hides something unpleasant

Examples

1. The facade of the old bank was decorated with marble columns.
2. Behind his friendly facade, he was actually quite cruel.

How to use facade

Facade has two distinct uses: literally, it describes the front face of a building, often emphasized for its architectural style or grandeur. Metaphorically, it means a deceptive outward appearance that conceals something negative or true beneath. The metaphorical sense is more common in general discourse and carries a judgmental tone, implying dishonesty or pretense.

Common phrases

ornate facade
glass facade
maintain a facade
behind the facade
present a facade

Synonyms

front · exterior · veneer · pretense · mask

Opposites

reality · truth

Word family

facades (plural)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes misspell it as 'façade' in American English, though this is acceptable; however, they may also confuse the singular and plural forms when discussing multiple buildings.

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