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
Saturday audiences pick which player takes on the cloak, and that choice sets which of the five scripts plays out. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026 Taylor built a career out of being fully, unapologetically herself, rarely hiding behind the cloak of fame with an unrelenting focus on her pursuits. — Kathy Lee, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
Penne with Lentils and Feta Hearty and wholesome, this picnic pasta salad is loaded with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, lentils, salty cheese, and parsley, all cloaked in a light and bright red wine vinaigrette. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 17 Sep. 2026 This wasn’t a real protection strategy; this was a symbolic update cloaked in the appearance of safety that ultimately breeds cynicism toward the brand. — Titania Jordan, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 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
  • How to identify deadly mushrooms One of the most noticeable features of any mushroom in the Amanita genus is the universal veil, a membranous tissue from which the fungi emerge.
    — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Tina took the witness stand wearing a veil and black glasses to hide her injuries.
    — Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of veil
Noun
  • Then pants, boots and cane and of course, the last is the cape.
    — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
  • With a pair of real horns, one of them plays the bull by gliding toward the fuchsia bullfighting cape.
    — Eyder Peralta, NPR, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of cape
Verb
  • The Manhunters rebelled against the Guardians, and most were killed; the sole survivor is hiding out in Rushville disguised as a human.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026
  • These scams convince people to execute malicious commands themselves, often by disguising the instructions as a software installation or troubleshooting step.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of disguise
Verb
  • The listening device was plugged into a USB port on the back of a television, concealed by a small piece of toilet paper, according to the FBI.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The device, which had a detachable camera sensor, digital microphone, and microSD storage, was concealed in toilet paper, according to the complaint.
    — Dan Mangan,Eamon Javers,Paige Tortorelli, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of conceal
Noun
  • With its magnetic shroud shoelace cover and dressy patent leather toe, the Air Jordan 16 was conceptualized in 2001 during an unusual period of Jordan’s legacy.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Scaffolding was being taken down Tuesday after workers over Labor Day weekend removed a shroud that had obscured the work.
    — Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of shroud
Noun
  • But, in this election, both candidates have attempted to claim the mantle of anti-communism.
    — Daniel Castro, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026
  • There’s been much speculation about who will take up the mantle after Daniel Craig’s 15-year run.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of mantle
Verb
  • Traditional methods of dealing with bad odors involve masking them with air fresheners or trapping odor-causing molecules in filters.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Father and son were just getting home when ICE agents, who Belgal claimed were masked and did not immediately identify themselves, rushed the driver-side window of the car with the firearm.
    — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of mask
Verb
  • In an indirect prompt injection, an attacker hides instructions in content an AI agent will come across while doing a task—a web page or a forum post, for instance—hoping to hijack the agent.
    — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Many senior Democrats blamed her, along with the rest of the family and his close aides, for hiding his condition.
    — Azadeh Moaveni, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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