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

This level of secrecy reflects the strategic importance of the program, which is intended to preserve the United States’ technological advantage in air combat. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026

In many places, that means destroying farmland, polluting, and putting immense pressure on the grid— sometimes achieved through secrecy, pressure, and manipulation. — Ethan Brooks, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

Copenhaver's attorney Bill Bock cited a heavy dose of case law and statute to claim the commission has the authority to investigate voters and that these voters don't have a right to ballot secrecy. — Cate Charron, IndyStar, 29 July 2026

Rootless Isak settles on barren land and attempts to build a life with Inger, a solitary woman marked by resilience and secrecy. — John Hopewell, Variety, 28 July 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