cloak 1 of 2

cloak

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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

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
Before the show even launched, the now-iconic red cloaks were being used as a real-world symbol for resisting the patriarchy. Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025 Six Runners will be available at launch, yet the recent alpha only featured four: Locus (a tanky soldier type), Glitch (a hacker who can disrupt entire teams), Void (a sneaky character with camo cloak and other tricks), and Blackbird (a scout who can reveal where nearby Runners are). Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 9 June 2025
Verb
On the opposite end of the oak-dotted lawn, his two-story studio still stands, filled with paintings cloaked in plastic wrap. Alessandra Schade, Vogue, 7 June 2025 Moments later, Elphaba appears, cloaked in black on the blonde's balcony. EW.com, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for cloak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloak
Noun
  • Though Smart was forced to wear a veil over her face, the couple recognized Mitchell from a composite sketch shared on America’s Most Wanted.
    Stephanie Kaloi, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • The unique gel texture sets into a lightweight veil that feels comfortable and stays put, so there’s no pillow staining or sticky residue.
    Marie Lodi, Allure, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Princess Kate's appearance at the Order of the Garter ceremony, where members of the order wear regal blue velvet capes with an ostrich plume hat, marked a return to the annual event after missing it last year.
    Stephanie Petit, People.com, 16 June 2025
  • Young supporters wrapped Mexican and Nicaraguan flags around their necks like capes.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • But dark secrets and hormones become issues, thanks to their latest enemy: demons disguised as a hunky boy band.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 21 June 2025
  • Plus, the blend of neutral shades disguises dirt and debris and works with a variety of decor styles.
    Shea Simmons, People.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Many of the individuals, including some concealing their faces with masks and hoods, appeared to be filming the cruiser with cell phones.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 16 June 2025
  • Kate goes to extreme measures to conceal her daughter’s crime, preparing her with an ironclad alibi and dumping the dead body into a nearby lake.
    Francesca Gariano, People.com, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • Later, before the funeral, the child's father, Mahmoud, kisses his son’s feet, the white shroud stained with bright-red blood.
    Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 21 May 2025
  • Once in space, the rocket releases the payload shroud, usually in two halves.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • This is the conclusion of an international team of researchers who have been studying the crust and mantle beneath the Afar region of Ethiopia.
    Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • Both shows just burn through villains in the most haphazard and jarring way, never really allowing for any of them to build up into something truly threatening, let alone interesting enough to carry the mantle of Big Bad.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • On Thursday, June 19, masked ICE agents in tactical gear and vehicles from the Department of Homeland Security were seen outside Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Times reported, as protests against ICE raids in Los Angeles continue this month.
    Natasha Dye, People.com, 20 June 2025
  • The building is masked within the central spine of the project by the surrounding environment.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Weathered and bumpy, the wall hidden among the surplus clothing stores of the Fashion District was hardly the perfect canvas.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
  • The first iteration of Somni opened in 2018 inside the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, a restaurant hidden inside of José Andrés’s Bazaar, but closed in 2020 as a pandemic casualty.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 26 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Cloak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloak. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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