Synonyms of cloak

cloak 1 of 2

noun

ˈklōk 

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

• veil
• shroud
• wraps
• blanket
• robe
• pall
• mantle
• mask
• curtain
• hood
• covering
• cover
• cope
• shield
• coverture
• cover-up
• penumbra
• screen
• camouflage
• disguise
• blind
• façade
• veneer
• facade
• varnish
• Trojan horse
• concealer
• face
• fig leaf
• gloss
• Potemkin village

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

• cape
• mantle
• wrap
• capote
• frock
• manteau
• stole
• pelisse
• burnoose
• shawl
• mantilla
• manta
• poncho
• cowl
• tippet
• sarape
• serape
• palatine
• capelet
• joseph
• burnous
• pelerine
• capuchin
• mantelet
• domino
• roquelaure

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

• disguise
• mask
• camouflage
• conceal
• hide
• simulate
• obscure
• cover
• veil
• curtain
• dress up
• shroud
• assume
• masquerade
• blanket
• pose
• screen
• affect
• enshroud
• pretend
• occult
• feign
• dissimulate
• blot out
• sham
• play
• dissemble
• counterfeit
• fake
• varnish
• act
• impersonate
• whitewash
• gild
• gloss (over)
• cosmeticize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unmask
• show
• display
• expose
• exhibit
• uncover
• parade
• flaunt
• unveil
• reveal
• disclose
• uncloak
• bare
• discover
• divulge
• betray
• unclothe
• undrape

2

as in to conceal

to keep secret or shut off from view

cloaked their military maneuvers from the outside world

Synonyms & Similar Words

• conceal
• hide
• obscure
• cover
• mask
• disguise
• veil
• curtain
• suppress
• shroud
• blanket
• occult
• blot out
• paper over
• enshroud
• screen
• camouflage
• block
• belie
• bury
• overshadow
• cover (up)
• smother
• varnish
• shade
• whitewash
• cloud
• gild
• gloss (over)
• obstruct
• eclipse
• darken
• overcast
• occlude
• becloud
• bedim
• befog

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reveal
• show
• disclose
• display
• expose
• bare
• uncover
• divulge
• present
• unveil
• uncloak
• unmask
• bring out
• clarify
• illuminate
• get out
• spread
• publish
• advertise
• air
• proclaim
• broadcast
• publicize

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

Recent Examples of cloak

Noun

What works so well here is how a cloak of ambiguity is constantly draped over the narrative, pulled off at just the right moment to keep us hooked. —Vincent Acovino, NPR, 22 Sep. 2025

But they are hidden beneath the cloak of BMEZ! —Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

Verb

But a sophomore album after this long can make or break a career, especially when it’s cloaked in this much hype. —Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025

Pedestrians cloaked in rain gear are running for cover. —Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025