cloak 1 of 2

Definition of cloaknext

cloak

2 of 2

verb

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

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
The photo shows Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter walking up to the quidditch pitch while wearing a Gryffindor cloak with his name and number on it. Ellise Shafer, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026 Her comments came on the same day that HBO released a first look image of Harry Potter, with the new title star, Dominic McLaughlin, from behind in a Gryffindor cloak approaching a Quidditch game. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
While Preston is standing in a river cloaked in celestial mist, his family is living in hell — aka New York City. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Mar. 2026 Nearly 100,000 visitors pilgrimage to the area annually to witness a forest canopy cloaked in orange-and-black wings. Jen Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cloak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloak
Noun
  • Her dance of the seven veils is sexy typing.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The resulting works were breathtaking, immersing the viewer in luminous veils of paint that swept across the canvas, seeming to splash back up from the bottom, creating an enveloping sense of tranquility and awe that pushed against the jittery energy of Abstract Expressionism.
    News Desk, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • His girlfriend, Leona Alvarado, also 16 and from Georgia, wore a matching American flag dress and cape and cowboy boots.
    Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Filling the capes of the trio audiences watched grow up will be Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
    Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Cami launched into her conundrum while Ember half listened, nodding often to disguise her own distraction.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Li is suspected of involvement in offenses including operating gambling dens, fraud, unlawful business operations and concealing and disguising the proceeds of crime, China’s state news agency Xinhua reported, citing Beijing’s Ministry of Public Security.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Two pumps of product managed to do the trick for my full face, and suddenly my hyperpigmentation on my cheek was concealed.
    Vogue, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Shoplifting more than $100 by concealing merchandise.
    Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The 39 members of the group were discovered lying on their backs and covered by purple shrouds.
    Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Mar. 2026
  • He had been released by the Philadelphia Phillies in February amid a shroud of controversy regarding his relationship with manager Rob Thomson and others in the organization.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Eco effort Six Senses has long held the mantle for being ahead of the sustainability trend, and in Rome, the property was built to incorporate their ethos.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • From this point onwards, Robin kept it on the mantle in her apartment.
    Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • After the shooting, Medina-Medina was spotted on security camera in his apartment building lobby waiting for an elevator, and wasn't masked.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026
  • No amount of outrageousness can mask the outrage.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The photograph feels funereal but rich, somehow—evocative of the days when Edith Wharton’s troubled characters tried to hide from others’ eyes, while the carriage horses clopped along, each step as heavy as destiny.
    Hilton Als, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Listen fully, because useful details hide in ordinary words.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Cloak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloak. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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