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
Slipping on his curmudgeon cloak, Maher then proceed stick it to the Governor over the number of inspections the host’s new roof required. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025 Is finding a way to effectively use cloaks infinitely harder problem? Gary Robbins, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
Far above, and many miles away, a thin strip of white cloaked the topmost pinnacles of Mogollon Baldy — all that remained of the season’s first snow. Percy Brown, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2025 Ben Affleck is leaving the Batman mask and cloak behind for good. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cloak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloak
Noun
  • But during the visit, Melania Trump mostly wore a grim face — along with a black dress and lace veil, in accordance with the dress code for a papal visit, according to media accounts at the time.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Typically, the pontiff’s body is placed in a casket made of three materials—cypress, lead, and walnut—and then covered with a silk veil before being sealed and transported under the basilica to the Vatican Grottoes, where the remains of almost all his predecessors rest.
    Paolo Armelli, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For opening night of Good Night, and Good Luck at Winter Garden Theatre in New York City on April 3, Lopez stunned in a strapless black gown with a plunging neckline with a lightly colored caftan cape that flowed down to an elaborate train.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Children and teens in red capes and superhero poses on brightly-colored flyers and pamphlets are making their way to families at resource fairs and special events scheduled throughout Lake County this month.
    Yadira Sanchez Olson, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Misleading consumers for cash, brands often use good-sounding terms to disguise dirty business practices that require an exploitation of water, humans, and other resources.
    Essence, Essence, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The malware hides original files on the USB and replaces them with malicious scripts disguised as normal-looking shortcuts.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Seiders, 44, is charged with felony child pornography possession, misdemeanor annoying a child under 18, concealing a camera with intent to invade privacy and attempting to conceal a camera.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Spectators got wind of the sensible footwear concealed by the Fiesta finery and began demanding to see the shoes.
    Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Cardinals from across the globe will soon gather under a shroud of secrecy at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City to decide who will lead the Catholic Church and guide 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The floors of the Indonesian Hospital in the city were covered in blood, with bodies wrapped in shrouds laying on the floor in hallways.
    Daniel Estrin, NPR, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Past generations have fought for and won big gains; new generations must take up the mantle and push further.
    Barbara Boxer, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Those looking for continuity and a pope to take the mantle from Francis and lead in a similar scope should be aware of Pietro Parolin, who's currently the Vatican Secretary of State; or Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Episcopal Conference.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Her ethereal look masked her interior stoniness and likely facilitated her extraordinary powers of observation and reporting.
    Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Concerts often mask rather than mitigate ideological frictions.
    Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Liv is forced to break up with her human fiancé, Major (Robert Buckley) to avoid infecting him, and becomes estranged from her best friend and roommate Peyton (Aly Michalka), hiding her new zombie nature from both.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Unfortunately, the cause of the odor is often hidden.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Cloak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloak. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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