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
• mantle
• pall
• mask
• curtain
• hood
• covering
• cover
• cope
• shield
• coverture
• cover-up
• penumbra
• screen
• camouflage
• disguise
• blind
• veneer
• facade
• varnish
• concealer
• face
• fig leaf
• gloss
• Trojan horse
• 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
• serape
• capelet
• palatine
• pelerine
• joseph
• 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

This means that heavy elements like rock and metal are dissolved and encased in a thick mantle of metallic hydrogen enveloped in a massive atmospheric cloak of multi-colored clouds of ammonium hydrosulphide. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 7 Jan. 2026

Prince Cheddward, as he's known to Cheez-It employees and fans of bowl-game sideshows, then draped a puffy red cloak over Simmons' shoulders. —Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 3 Jan. 2026

Verb

Like Howard Hawks, John Ford, and other masters of the classical studio era, his style was often invisible, but his modesty cloaked the intense engagement of a true artist. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 15 Dec. 2025

Kentucky Camp sits amid the grasslands that cloak the eastern flanks of the Santa Rita Mountains northwest of Sonoita. —Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 12 Dec. 2025