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
She was buried wearing a cloak of blue and brown feathers, seemingly from a macaw of the Amazon rainforest. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025 While all of the men had shaved heads and were wearing cloaks with a mysterious symbol on the back, the group's most noticeable trait was that each and every member had Glasgow smile-type scars carved into their faces. Megan McCluskey, Time, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
Asked about going against Butler, Herro smiled amid a cautious and seemingly cloaked response. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 Mar. 2025 The first three days of the Trash Emergency were cloaked in gloom. Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cloak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloak
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the rich pigments easily veil dark circles, pigmentation, and blemishes with just a tiny dot of product.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 May 2025
  • The deals were done secretly under a veil of nondisclosure agreements and an LLC called Golden Range, according to property records.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • In photographs from the outing, Thurman rocked a gray blazer, black turtleneck and a flowy black skirt while her youngest opted for a green cape, matching dress and small black bag.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 19 May 2025
  • Brown fouled out with 2:50 left in the third quarter, banished to the Phantom Zone, hanging up his cape with 20 points on 8-for-20 shooting.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • It can usually be disguised as fairness or reciprocity and may not seem harmful at first.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • In the film, Pike’s Miranda Frost, a Harvard grad and Olympic fencer, disguises herself as a fellow member of MI6, only to later be revealed as a double agent.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Johnson claimed that Combs’ team went to extreme lengths to conceal the video, alleging that Florez was offered $100,000 to keep the footage a secret.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 13 May 2025
  • According to dark money hawks, this pass-through funding tactic allows Qatar to conceal state backing as private sector contributions.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Located atop the power-supply shroud, a second set of fan-mounting holes is threaded to accept included #6-32 screws from the top.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 1 May 2025
  • The real version, the one that lingers on in the shroud, is at peace.
    Alexandra Kleeman, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Cinco de Mayo annually represents boxing’s biggest weekend, and Alvarez, who inherited the mantle of boxing’s biggest pay-per-view star from Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, has now been featured in 11 of them.
    Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 4 May 2025
  • The remains were found along with a mantle of blue and brown feathers, which are believed to come from an Amazonian bird.
    Ashley J. DiMella, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • For decades, Combs masked himself as a wealthy music mogul who liked to throw lavish parties and surround himself with women.
    Bridgette Carr, New York Daily News, 16 May 2025
  • The electrifying offense has masked injuries to their starting pitchers, but the bullpen has been a serious issue early in the season.
    Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Each level is also absolutely crawling with secret collectibles hidden in various nooks and crannies, which often tease you with a glimpse through a hole in some impassable wall or rock formation.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 9 May 2025
  • Lastly, clean up any rotting wood or loose leaves from your property to give these ants fewer places to hide.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“Cloak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloak. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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