cloak-and-dagger

noun

Definition of cloak-and-daggernext
as in counterintelligence

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloak-and-dagger
  1. counterintelligence
  2. espionage
  3. counterespionage
  4. wiretapping
  5. spying
  6. intelligence
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
  • Rogers was acquitted at trial of the more serious charge of conspiracy to commit economic espionage.
    — Dan Mangan, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Russia has rejected all accusations of espionage, portraying them as part of anti-Russian hysteria.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of espionage
Noun
  • Russian security forces had already absorbed a counterespionage mindset as early as the Russo-Japanese war, in 1905.
    — Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The latest firings included experts in counterespionage matters.
    — Perry Stein, Arkansas Online, 28 Feb. 2026
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
  • China’s foreign ministry in June confirmed the ‌arrest of Min Zin, saying he was suspected of spying and of endangering Chinese national security.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Two of the analysts gave evidence, expressing remorse for their actions but saying they were pushed into going on the spying trips.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of spying
Noun
  • Ravens and crows have also represented intelligence, knowledge, transformation, and even creation in cultures around the world.
    — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Both sides stressed that the use of intelligence and electrification technology is an important focus for working together.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of intelligence
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Cloak-and-dagger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloak-and-dagger. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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