CLOAK Synonyms: 130 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

cloak 1 of 2

noun

ˈklōk

Definition of cloak

as in veil

something that covers or conceals like a piece of cloth the cloak of mystery that surrounds the royal family

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in cape

a sleeveless garment worn so as to hang over the shoulders, arms, and back threw a cloak around his shoulders

Synonyms & Similar Words

cloak

2 of 2

verb

as in to disguise

to change the dress or looks of so as to conceal true identity the outlaw nation had cloaked its chemical weapons plant as a fertilizer factory

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to conceal

to keep secret or shut off from view cloaked their military maneuvers from the outside world

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Just running around wearing cloaks, slinking into and out of castles, slicing the throats of all who cross her. — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 27 July 2026 To create the body of her costume, Barnes draped a blue cloak over a large hoop skirt. — Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 24 July 2026

Verb

Each piece sports crispy skin cloaked in a tantalizing sauce that pirouettes from tangy to sweet to sour. — Warren Rojas, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026 Dense forests cloak the hillsides, offering a striking contrast to the open savannah. — Nicola Shepherd, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cloak

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cloak

Noun

The jeweler recently posted up-close photos of the ring on Instagram, as well as a snap of Lee wearing a white veil and kissing Posty’s head while showing off the sparkling rock on her finger to the camera.

— Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026
The bride wore a sleeveless, knee-length A-line frock, paired with a short tulle veil and simple white heels.

— Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of veil

Verb

Pitchers are disguising their four-seamers up with more cutters in than ever before, so just advising him to be more aggressive in the zone is not good enough.

— Eno Sarris, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
OpenAI does not allow access to its models in Russia, but the company said VPNs were used to disguise location.

— Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of disguise

Verb

Torres was then seen on camera concealing the money inside his black jacket before entering an employee restroom, according to the report.

— Ana Maria Soler, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
In practical terms, someone deliberately trying to conceal Claude's involvement could simply rewrite the output substantially.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of conceal

Noun

The secrecy mandate in state law shrouds more than just the financial details of a project.

— Rob Davis, ProPublica, 21 Aug. 2026
While music from the Campari Lounge boomed into the evening, approximately 100 demonstrators unwound a shroud bearing the names of 60,000 people who have been killed in Gaza since the beginning of the war two and a half years ago.

— John Bleasdale, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of shroud

Noun

In the wake of Dolly Parton’s death, Styles didn’t deign to cover one of the few artists worthy of the mantle of icon.

— Michelle Ruiz, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
After the death of Queen Elizabeth in 2022, Camilla has taken over the mantle of the equestrian-loving senior royal.

— Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of mantle

Verb

Replace Judgment With Curiosity Many neurodivergent employees mask their traits to blend in, which leads to burnout and exhaustion.

— Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Always bury the rotten fruit in the center of your compost pile to help mask the smell and deter unwanted animals.

— SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of mask

Verb

The expansion will take players to the brand new realm of Letten — an idyllic land of rural tradition that hides a dark secret just below the surface.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
This is nothing more than a desperate attempt to hide his own extremism and Texans will see right through it.

— Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of hide

Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Synonyms of cloak

noun

verb

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Synonyms of cloak

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to cloak

Tulip/Turban, Cloak/Clock, & 8...

Cite this Entry

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