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

Such spending flourishes in secrecy, and this year’s artificial rush toward a last-minute deal suggests that more giveaways are coming. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026

In its current form at least, the Pentagon’s new product can’t solve AI’s secrecy problem. —Erik German, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2026

Many elements of the deals have been cloaked in secrecy, including where some of the deportees sent to Africa are being held and how long they will be detained. —Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026

Bodies respond to radiation exposure differently, and decades of secrecy mean that exposure documentation is partial at best. —Magdalena Stawkowski, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 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