veiled.

1. Partly hidden or obscured, literally by a covering or figuratively by indirect expression.

2. Not openly stated but suggested through implication, especially of criticism, a threat, or a reference.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• veiled threat
• veiled reference
• veiled in mist
• veiled criticism
• veiled insult

On the page

A veiled warning appeared in the final paragraph of the letter.

His veiled criticism made the compliment sound less generous.

Usage notes

Literal use concerns something covered or obscured; figurative use often describes an indirect remark, threat, or reference. Sense 2: In figurative use, veiled modifies a message or attitude rather than a physically covered object.