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
The series also serves as the MCU’s introduction of spectral magic meeting tech via the villainous character The Hood (Anthony Ramos), a low-level criminal who stumbles upon a magical cloak powered by the same forces depicted in Doctor Strange. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 23 June 2025 Grab your cloaks and get ready for murder, because the cast of The Traitors season 4 is finally here. Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 13 June 2025
Verb
Other officials, from Gov. Gavin Newsom to local mayors like Huntington Park’s Arturo Flores, have also clashed with the Trump administration over the deployment of troops and cloaked federal agents for mass deportations in the state. Dennis Romero, NBC news, 30 June 2025 The settlement also contains a provision that allows for independent review of NIL deals with third parties that exceed $600 to ensure those deals aren’t cloaking pay-for-play arrangements. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cloak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloak
Noun
  • Not only that, but Katie Gaudreau’s veil featured custom messages in her brothers’ handwriting.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
  • The post also pulled back the veil, if only slightly, on the complex and secretive process federal officials use to determine who belongs on terrorism watch lists that can influence decisions every day by employers, airport security and law enforcement.
    Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Finally, some actual half-Italian/half-Swedish cinematic royalty in the form of Isabella Rossellini, regal in a sheer opera cape and a pair of sensible heels en route into the Alta Moda show at the Roman Forum.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Anton slouches beside her, draped in an inverness cape, brandishing a cigarette and smirking beneath a rogue’s mustache.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • That's where the VIRSA framework comes in—an antidote to chaos disguised as complexity.
    Saby Waraich, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • What looks like one giant spotted egg is actually disguising a full polka dot dinnerware set, including two large plates and six bowls of various sizes, nested together like a Matryoshka doll.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Speculation online has included allegations that the federal government was concealing information to shield powerful and prominent figures who were allegedly named in case records.
    Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 11 July 2025
  • Meanwhile, her makeup turned more matte with concealed under eyes like at The Blonds Fall 2014 show.
    India Espy-Jones, Essence, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • The hospital had run out of white shrouds to cover the deceased.
    Anas Baba, NPR, 6 July 2025
  • Two of Harold’s three wives were there, his grown children, a handful of friends and colleagues: whoever could make it so far, in such haste, to see Harold put to rest in his shroud.
    Nicole Krauss, The Atlantic, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • In 1998, Jamie Dimon was a rising star on Wall Street, widely expected to assume the CEO mantle at Citigroup after helping build the financial conglomerate alongside his mentor Sandy Weill.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 17 July 2025
  • This had paved the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to assume the mantle as the Democratic nominee, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • And as the number of A schools creeps upward, that’s ignited a debate on whether Florida is grading its schools effectively, and whether grade inflation is masking continued difficulties educating students.
    Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2025
  • But critics, including the New York City Bar Association, are concerned masking is an attempt to shield agents from accountability.
    Julia Marnin July 11, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • More than a month after the shooting, police located the vehicle Orona had driven, hidden on a Buckeye property owned by his girlfriend’s family.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 20 July 2025
  • But these unremarkable principles hide a dramatic shift in the relationship between science and government.
    David Michaels, The Atlantic, 20 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Cloak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloak. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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