cloud 1 of 2

noun

ˈklau̇d How to pronounce cloud (audio)
Definition of cloudnext
as in pall
an overspreading element that produces an atmosphere of gloom all day we were under a cloud until we heard the good news

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cloud

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to obscure
to make dark, dim, or indistinct the diner's dark interior, clouded with smoke and grease

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to confuse
to make (something) unclear to the understanding cloud the issue with obscure statistics

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 cloud
Noun
The chance for storms ranges from 40% to 60% across east Central Florida with stronger storms capable of frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, gusty winds 40 to 50 mph, and locally heavy rainfall. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2026 Molecular clouds can also be stellar nurseries, incubating new stars and planets in their depths. — Damien Pine, Scientific American, 13 July 2026
Verb
The recent explosion of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket on its launch pad in Florida also clouds ULA’s return-to-flight plans for Vulcan. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 7 July 2026 Global foreign investment rose last year, the UN said Tuesday, but warned that this year’s outlook is clouded by trade policy uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cloud
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloud
  1. pall
  2. obscure
  3. confuse
  4. fog
  5. blur
  6. becloud
  7. shadow
  8. darken
Noun
  • But if James would have played out his career with the Lakers, there always would have been an awkward pall over the final years.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Trump started the day threatening to block Congress’ biggest bipartisan legislation of his second term over a voter ID bill that faces no path to law — casting a pall over a Capitol that had already begun celebrating a rare cost-of-living victory.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 24 June 2026
Definition of pall
Verb
  • While institutional incentives aren't wrong, portraying them solely as student benefits obscures a critical reality.
    — Scott White, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Crews have been seen unloading equipment from trucks this week — much of it covered or obscured — and barricades have been placed near the perimeter of the arena.
    — Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 4 July 2026
Definition of obscure
Verb
  • That is important because a boxy robotaxi that can drive both ways may confuse pedestrians, cyclists or other drivers.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • One of the biggest mistakes students make is confusing a loan approval with an affordability recommendation.
    — Scott White, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of confuse
Noun
  • The 23 crew members fought through dense fog and dealt with equipment issues after leaving port on June 5.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026
  • As the fog slowly revealed and concealed the towering limestone islets, the tranquil scenery was a grounding way to experience one of Vietnam’s most spectacular landscapes.
    — Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2026
Definition of fog
Verb
  • Boundaries of good and evil are blurred even further with the introduction of Batman’s most iconic villain, The Joker, played by Heath Ledger, who died before the film was released.
    — Lea Tran, TheWeek, 14 July 2026
  • This is the time of year when lines can get blurred, with competition often internal during summer league.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2026
Definition of blur
Verb
  • But instead of sounding the alarm, defendants went out of their way to becloud the emerging scientific consensus.
    — Edward Fitzpatrick, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Aug. 2019
  • His flacks and surrogates hand out scraps of information grudgingly, infrequently, and beclouded by fragrant eructations of doublespeak.
    — Charles Seife, Slate Magazine, 1 Mar. 2017
Definition of becloud
Noun
  • Anyone who notices flashes, new floaters or a shadow in their vision should seek urgent eye care.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026
  • Iran has long relied on a shadow fleet of oil tankers to evade US sanctions, selling most of its oil to China.
    — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Definition of shadow
Verb
  • In these areas, petunias won’t grow as well when temperatures fall to 40°F; the plants will darken, turn limp and mushy, and die away with the first hard frost.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 14 July 2026
  • Sun exposure can darken new scars permanently and slow their healing, so Min recommended keeping them covered as much as possible.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 July 2026
Definition of darken

Phrases Containing cloud

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clotting
cloud
cloudburst
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Cite this Entry

“Cloud.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cloud. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cloud

Nglish: Translation of cloud for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cloud

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