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

• 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

Survivors say the denomination’s pattern of secrecy and leniency deepened their trauma. —Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2025

These houses could add a layer of secrecy to your person, so look again. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025

Grand juries play important roles in the criminal justice system, but the secrecy surrounding them can make their process difficult to understand. —Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025

It is not known who else has interviewed, as the Padres have prioritized secrecy in the search. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Oct. 2025

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