CLOAK-AND-DAGGER Synonyms: 15 Similar Words

cloak-and-dagger

noun

Definition of cloak-and-dagger

as in counterintelligence

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloak-and-dagger

Noun

Those details line up with other hallmarks of a figure ripe for spy recruitment, said Eric O’Neill, a former FBI counterintelligence operative.

— Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Allegations of systematic torture The complaint accuses Venezuela’s military counterintelligence agency, known by its Spanish initials DGCIM, of carrying out systematic torture under Maduro’s direction.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Definition of counterintelligence

Noun

Citing concerns about espionage and intellectual property theft, the US has refused to work with China and last year even banned visa-holding Chinese nationals from working at NASA.

— Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
She will next be seen alongside Nicolas Cage, Matthew Goode, Ed Skrein, Michael Sheen and Ben Kingsley in Simon West’s World War II espionage feature Fortitude.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of espionage

Noun

The latest firings included experts in counterespionage matters.

— Perry Stein, Arkansas Online, 28 Feb. 2026
The employee filed the complaint with the division director, Robert Turner, a 22-year veteran of the bureau who previously held roles in counterterrorism and counterespionage.

— William Turton, ProPublica, 30 Dec. 2025

Definition of counterespionage

Noun

Later that year, he was charged with wiretapping, and although authorities did not offer more details, local journalists have reported that the alleged wiretapping was meant to monitor the investigation of his mother.

— James Lasdun, New Yorker, 26 May 2026
Under the plan, FISA, which allows warrantless wiretapping of noncitizens, would be extended for three years, with new oversight guardrails and penalties for abusing the spy tool.

— Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 26 Apr. 2026

Definition of wiretapping

Noun

Sultanov was first arrested by Cypriot police in June 2025 on spying and terror charges and has been in custody since, Britain's Counter Terror police confirmed to AFP.

— Mark Osborne, CBS News, 31 July 2026
In the meantime, defense officials, concerned about potential spying, have banned the inexpensive Chinese components that many drone manufacturers use to keep costs low.

— Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026

Definition of spying

Noun

Just eight vessels crossed the crucial waterway yesterday, five sticking to the Iranian route and three following an undetected route, maritime intelligence firm Kpler said.

— Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Taiwan's government said Hsu's case involved gaining intelligence for mainland China and influencing Taiwanese politics.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of intelligence

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cloak

cloak-and-dagger

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“Cloak-and-dagger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloak-and-dagger. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of cloak-and-dagger

noun

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