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

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
The center brings together counterterrorism, cyber, counterintelligence and financial investigators and specialists from the Treasury Department and IRS to trace funding streams, identify criminal actors and build prosecutable cases.

— Asra Q. Nomani , Morgan Phillips, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of counterintelligence

Noun

The goal, officials say, is to strengthen China’s geopolitical position by collecting as much data as possible that can be used for espionage purposes.

— Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
The same jury acquitted him of the more serious charge of conspiracy to commit economic espionage.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 July 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

However, these technological advances are not widely deployed due in part to concerns from privacy activists, who maintain they necessitate backdoors that could be exploited by governments and nefarious actors to enable wholesale spying.

— Charlie Campbell, Time, 20 July 2026
But American lawmakers are concerned and are sounding the alarm that commercially available adtech data and mobile communication networks aren’t secure enough to prevent that kind of spying.

— Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 17 July 2026

Definition of spying

Noun

Unlike the direct style under Glasner, Sage’s way of playing may allow for more space to make the most of Pino’s intelligence, interplay and technical and passing ability.

— Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 21 July 2026
But, citing Iraqi intelligence estimates, Mohammed said the number of ISIS fighters in neighboring Syria has increased from around 2,000 to as many as 10,000 since the collapse of Bashar Assad's government in 2024.

— Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of intelligence

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cloak

cloak-and-dagger

cloaked

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Style

“Cloak-and-dagger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloak-and-dagger. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of cloak-and-dagger

noun

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