diff --git a/dvc/repo/status.py b/dvc/repo/status.py
index d30bee7fe..9a9013a46 100644
--- a/dvc/repo/status.py
+++ b/dvc/repo/status.py
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ def status(
     all_tags=False,
 ):
     with self.state:
-        if cloud:
+        if cloud or remote:
             return _cloud_status(
                 self,
                 target,
diff --git a/tests/test_status.py b/tests/test_status.py
index b5668169d..d164ab70d 100644
--- a/tests/test_status.py
+++ b/tests/test_status.py
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ import os
 from dvc.main import main
 
 from tests.basic_env import TestDvc
+from mock import patch
 
 
 class TestStatus(TestDvc):
@@ -17,3 +18,8 @@ class TestStatus(TestDvc):
 
         ret = main(["status", "--quiet"])
         self.assertEqual(ret, 1)
+
+    @patch("dvc.repo.status._cloud_status", return_value=True)
+    def test_implied_cloud(self, mock_status):
+        main(["status", "--remote", "something"])
+        mock_status.assert_called()