secrecy

noun

se·​cre·​cy ˈsē-krə-sē 

plural secrecies

1

: the condition of being hidden or concealed

2

: the habit or practice of keeping secrets or maintaining privacy or concealment

Synonyms of secrecy

• secretiveness

Examples of secrecy in a Sentence

this administration's steadfast adherence to secrecy is beginning to cost it the trust of the voters

Recent Examples on the Web

Lemon and Georgia Fort, the other journalist charged in the case, have asked the court to consider disclosing the grand jury transcripts, which are rarely made public due to grand jury secrecy rules. —Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026

Transparency restricted becomes secrecy normalized. —Dave Myers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026

The Bohemian Grove is also the source of many conspiracy theories due to its secrecy and exclusive clientele, which reportedly includes many wealthy, powerful men. —Lauren Chapman, Sacbee.com, 27 Feb. 2026

On a rainy afternoon in an East Village noodle shop, Kate Hudson is swearing me to secrecy. —Rachel Handler, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier secretie, from Middle English secretee, from secret secret

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing secrecy

• anti-secrecy
• swear (someone) to secrecy
• swear to secrecy

Kids Definition

secrecy

noun

se·​cre·​cy ˈsē-krə-sē 

plural secrecies

1

: the habit of keeping secrets : secretiveness

2

: the quality or state of being hidden or concealed