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

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 42-seat screening room, originally a cloak room, is officially a part of the private residence of the First Family, but its history from Eisenhower to Reagan was recorded by its longtime projectionist, Paul Fischer. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025 My freshman-year college roommate brought an entire underbed storage tub full of medieval costumes (multiple petticoats and cloaks). Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
Giving fighters a radar-cloaking edge Potential civilian applications include electromagnetic shielding for high-temperature electronics and adaptive stealth systems for space missions. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025 Based on the Peter Straub novel of the same name, John Irvin's chilly and affecting Ghost Story is cloaked in snow, leather, and firelight. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cloak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloak
Noun
  • The story of the Shibuya Incident saw a mysterious veil trap countless citizens inside the busy Shibuya area.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Even the imperfections in the costume — the slightly off-shoulder veil, the asymmetry — hint at the cracks in her composure.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Gutierrez wore a striking red silk gown with a black cape and a spiky headpiece, a look inspired by past highlights in her metal harpist career.
    Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The star also shared an adorable photo of the family’s matching Halloween costume, sharing an image of her, Luai, and Shammas wearing Batman costumes with masks and capes.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Nominees for foundation’s the Noble Prize include Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo López, who was sentenced to 14 years in jail in 2014 for his democracy campaign, but managed to escape the country disguised as an electrician in 2020 while under house arrest.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Collectively, there is less tolerance for stubbornness disguised as conviction, as this transit favors multidimensional thinking and open dialogue.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The actress became pregnant with their first child while filming season 3 of The Rookie, and instead of strategically concealing her pregnancy to play Angela, creator Alexi Hawley simply wrote it into Diaz's character's storyline.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Her go-to is the Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit, a $35 at-home hair color box that conceals 100 percent of stubborn grays and enhances shine.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The skeletal trees, stripped of their summer green and fiery autumn leaves, stand in a white shroud of snow like stoic models of resilience and grace.
    Thomas Cangelosi, Hartford Courant, 4 Jan. 2026
  • The Artemis 2 Orion crew capsule, inside a protective launch shroud, and its escape rocket are visible amid service platforms inside NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center.
    William Harwood, CBS News, 21 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Red velvet bows fit in wonderfully with the overall scheme, and these always look great on the mantle, staircase, garland, or even tied onto the tree.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Wooden doors opened onto a Juliet balcony, beyond which a low mantle of cloud mirrored the pewter-gray surface of Guajará Bay.
    Michael Snyder, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • It may be masked by his refinement, hidden behind his boyish Christmas-morning smile.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • There was also the ongoing speculation that Chalamet was leading a double life as the cult masked Brit rapper and drill artist EsDeeKid.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Still seething after a sloppy 19-16 loss to the Detroit Lions, Johnson wasn’t hiding his dissatisfaction with a defeat that seemed to diminish his team’s momentum.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • But the jury in the federal civil lawsuit found that Moore violated Gillispie's rights by hiding evidence that would have helped Gillispie's defense and creating unfair lineup procedures for the victims.
    Laura A. Bischoff, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Jan. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Cloak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloak. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

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