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
  • And Russell had this big outfit on with all her veils and hats and everything.
    — Raymond Ang, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The enthusiasm, the words, and the clamor are a veil for vacuous neglect of the core justice fight at this critical milestone in American history.
    — Kamau Bobb October 21, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of veil
Noun
  • Fifty-seven years later, the cape has resurfaced in front of the paparazzi at a major party.
    — Diego Parrado, Vanity Fair, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Elizabeth Taylor wears the Scorpio cape and a dazzling, million dollar Cariet diamond to Princess Grace’s birthday party.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of cape
Verb
  • Arbella escaped, disguised as a man in a wig, boots and sword, with plans to flee to France with her ill-begotten husband.
    — Eva Wolchover, Vanity Fair, 27 Oct. 2026
  • So does automation with poor economics, surveillance disguised as productivity, weak controls and technology that removes useful human judgement without creating equivalent value.
    — Kelvin Cheema, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of disguise
Verb
  • The Symptoms Women Work to Hide Sweating, hot flashes and brain fog are among the symptoms women most often try to conceal, according to the Womea survey.
    — Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The gloom was useful for masking scavenging activities and for concealing one’s identity.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of conceal
Noun
  • The show culminated in a voluminous black tulle cocoon, its shroud-like silhouette reinforcing the collection’s meditation on mortality.
    — Livia Caligor, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Here’s hoping the group has a few more honorary Halloween carrols up their decrepit, burial shroud-like sleeves.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of shroud
Noun
  • His widow Louise picked up the mantle and, following her death in 2023, their son David — who was also in the house that day as a young cameraman — has now edited the film to completion alongside his daughter Liani as producer.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • But, in this election, both candidates have attempted to claim the mantle of anti-communism.
    — Daniel Castro, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of mantle
Verb
  • Who should avoid mouth tape Specialists say the bigger worry is that mouth tape can mask something more serious happening in your airway.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Still, this growth masks a widespread sense of anxiety, driven far more by Washington politics than anything to do with market fundamentals, according to a survey of regional oil companies by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas in late September.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of mask
Verb
  • His inclusion changes the historical record — and adds a dimension to the story of Jewish contributions to the game that has long been hiding in plain sight.
    — Zachary Kranc, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The forthcoming exercise best examines where the Chiefs sit, at 5-1 with the most difficult part of their schedule waiting — because the best teams are not just about maximizing their strengths but hiding their flaws.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of hide

Browse Nearby Words

cliquishness
cloak
cloak-and-dagger
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Cite this Entry

“Cloak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloak. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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