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

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
Last week, Markle appeared at the Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala in a glamorous white gown with a black cloak and, a few weeks earlier, the duo made two appearances at the Sundance Film Festival. Meg Walters, InStyle, 15 Feb. 2026 The brand, first launched in 2018, has featured a limited edition Minecraft Dungeons collaboration (with Microsoft and Mojang) for cloaks and hoodies, and Five Nights at Freddy’s wearable blankets and winter jackets. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
The actress’s hair is swooped and swirled atop her head; her neck drips with rows of pearls; her arms are cloaked in black opera gloves, while her eyes are hidden behind oversized tortiseshell shades. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026 Mountain Highs and Valley Lows Hong Kong's great outdoors is an adrenaline junkie's dream, cloaked in an urban disguise. Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cloak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloak
Noun
  • Her veil was embroidered with delicate florals, which mirrored the exquisite lace on her ballgown’s sleeves and bodice.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 7 Mar. 2026
  • The tulle veil, sheer elbow gloves and Manolo Blahnik shoes Pidgeon wears while walking down the aisle are all authentic, too.
    Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Teammates have mentioned that as the perfect time for Superman to put on the cape and go into hero mode after three quarters of ball-sharing basketball.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Schreiber, meanwhile, stayed true to her edgy sense of style, sporting an asymmetrical cape-style crop top, which hung off her left shoulder.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Podiatrists and Oprah alike love Vionic shoes for their orthotic-level comfort disguised with designer-level style, and the Kearny sneakers are proof.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Hairstylist Gregory Russell, who frequently works with the star, pulled her hair back tightly and cinched the lengths right at the crown of her head, wrapping a thick portion of hair around the base to disguise the elastic.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Shoplifting more than $100 by concealing merchandise.
    Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
  • But the late-Baroque facade of the building conceals a special, darker history, one that reflects persistent political and legal problems for the bank thousands of miles away, in the US.
    Hugo Miller, Bloomberg, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Mamdani emerged from this shroud of mystery triumphant, posting a photograph on X of himself, firmly straight-faced, standing alongside the grinning President.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Wrapped in a biodegradable shroud of silk or wool, the body is placed in a pressurized chamber where a blend of hot water and chemicals accelerates natural decomposition.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Lady's mantle is one tough plant that can handle this environment.
    Jamie McIntosh, The Spruce, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Penelope, however, laid down her Whistledown pen, leading to speculation over who has since taken up the mantle of gossip monger.
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The smell masks the insects’ chemical signals, confusing the aphids and affecting their ability to find food.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
  • These include El Niño, volcanic eruptions and the solar cycle, which influence temperatures in the short term, masking long-term changes.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Over the past year, assaults against ICE personnel have risen 8,000%, according to the DHS, and federal police have opted to hide their faces and identities while working in public.
    Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 8 Mar. 2026
  • An East Price Hill man is accused of hiding in wait before fatally shooting a woman at an Avondale apartment building, according to Cincinnati police.
    Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Cloak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloak. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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