cloak 1 of 2

noun

ˈklōk How to pronounce cloak (audio)
Definition of cloaknext
1
as in veil
something that covers or conceals like a piece of cloth the cloak of mystery that surrounds the royal family

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in cape
a sleeveless garment worn so as to hang over the shoulders, arms, and back threw a cloak around his shoulders

Synonyms & Similar Words

cloak

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to disguise
to change the dress or looks of so as to conceal true identity the outlaw nation had cloaked its chemical weapons plant as a fertilizer factory

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to conceal
to keep secret or shut off from view cloaked their military maneuvers from the outside world

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb cloak differ from other similar words?

The words disguise and mask are common synonyms of cloak. While all three words mean "to alter the dress or appearance of so as to conceal the identity or true nature," cloak suggests a means of hiding a movement or an intention.

cloaked their maneuvers in secrecy

When is it sensible to use disguise instead of cloak?

While the synonyms disguise and cloak are close in meaning, disguise implies a change in appearance or behavior that misleads by presenting a different apparent identity.

disguised herself as a peasant

When is mask a more appropriate choice than cloak?

In some situations, the words mask and cloak are roughly equivalent. However, mask suggests some often obvious means of hiding or disguising something.

smiling to mask his discontent

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cloak
Noun
Just running around wearing cloaks, slinking into and out of castles, slicing the throats of all who cross her. — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 27 July 2026 To create the body of her costume, Barnes draped a blue cloak over a large hoop skirt. — Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 24 July 2026
Verb
Each piece sports crispy skin cloaked in a tantalizing sauce that pirouettes from tangy to sweet to sour. — Warren Rojas, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026 Dense forests cloak the hillsides, offering a striking contrast to the open savannah. — Nicola Shepherd, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cloak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloak
  1. veil
  2. cape
  3. disguise
  4. conceal
  5. shroud
  6. mantle
  7. mask
  8. hide
Noun
  • The jeweler recently posted up-close photos of the ring on Instagram, as well as a snap of Lee wearing a white veil and kissing Posty’s head while showing off the sparkling rock on her finger to the camera.
    — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The bride wore a sleeveless, knee-length A-line frock, paired with a short tulle veil and simple white heels.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of veil
Noun
  • Hair changes, blankets become capes, and sunglasses migrate between friends.
    — Svetlana Khachiyan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • After descending in a metal cage elevator, Riff Raff removes his cape, revealing Frank-N-Furter in a corset, fishnets and pearls.
    — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of cape
Verb
  • As a way to get around the law, speakeasies were disguised as other business, such as bookstores, Bao said.
    — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • John is then abducted by a group led by an alien named Antaan, who tells him about the Manhunters—ancient synthetic predecessors to the Green Lantern Corps capable of disguising themselves as other species.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of disguise
Verb
  • That's because the sink and invisible dual-burner induction cooktop are concealed below a sliding top that works just like a bar or table when retracted.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • All three globe bulbs are concealed here, as is most of the cord, but a foot pedal on/off switch ensures ease of use.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of conceal
Noun
  • That has astronomers eagerly awaiting what can be seen as the shroud over the heart of the Milky Way gets at least partially lifted.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The secrecy mandate in state law shrouds more than just the financial details of a project.
    — Rob Davis, ProPublica, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of shroud
Noun
  • In the wake of Dolly Parton’s death, Styles didn’t deign to cover one of the few artists worthy of the mantle of icon.
    — Michelle Ruiz, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • After the death of Queen Elizabeth in 2022, Camilla has taken over the mantle of the equestrian-loving senior royal.
    — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of mantle
Verb
  • Replace Judgment With Curiosity Many neurodivergent employees mask their traits to blend in, which leads to burnout and exhaustion.
    — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Always bury the rotten fruit in the center of your compost pile to help mask the smell and deter unwanted animals.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of mask
Verb
  • Yes, that’s right, the world’s most famous nude sculpture was once outfitted with a belt of 28 copper leaves to hide its genitalia.
    — Alicja Zelazko, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Avoid walking through tall grass, rocky areas or other places where snakes might hide, such as wildflower or bluebonnet patches.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of hide

Browse Nearby Words

cliquishness
cloak
cloak-and-dagger
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cloak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloak. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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