secret

¹se·cret

adjective \ˈsē-krət\

Definition of SECRET

1

a : kept from knowledge or view : hidden

b : marked by the habit of discretion : closemouthed

c : working with hidden aims or methods : undercover <a secret agent>

d : not acknowledged : unavowed <a secret bride>

e : conducted in secret <a secret trial>

2

: remote from human frequentation or notice : secluded

3

: revealed only to the initiated : esoteric

4

: designed to elude observation or detection <a secret panel>

5

: containing information whose unauthorized disclosure could endanger national security — compare confidential, top secret

— se·cret·ly adverb

Examples of SECRET

1. Her secret wish is to become a senator.
2. The message was written in secret code.
3. I don't know the secret password.
4. He was sent on a secret mission.
5. They engaged in secret negotiations with the enemy.
6. She tried to keep her marriage secret.
7. They've been very secret about their plans.

Origin of SECRET

Middle English, from Anglo-French secré, secret, from Latin secretus, from past participle of secernere to separate, distinguish, from se- apart + cernere to sift — more at secede, certain

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to SECRET

Synonyms

backstairs, behind-the-scenes, clandestine, covert, furtive, hole-and-corner, hugger-mugger, hush-hush, private, privy, sneak, sneaking, sneaky, stealth, stealthy, surreptitious, undercover, underground, underhand, underhanded

Antonyms

open, overt, public

Related Words

back-channel, closed-door, off-the-books, off-the-record; classified, confidential, restricted, top secret, undisclosed; concealed, hidden, secreted, subterranean, unadvertised, unexposed

Near Antonyms

acknowledged, avowed; aboveboard, straightforward, unconcealed, undisguised; unclassified, unrestricted; clear, evident, manifest, obvious, patent, plain

Synonym Discussion of SECRET

secret, covert, stealthy, furtive, clandestine, surreptitious, underhanded mean done without attracting observation. secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive <met at a secret location>. covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared <covert intelligence operations>. stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing <the stealthy step of a burglar>. furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness <lovers exchanging furtive glances>. clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered <a clandestine meeting of conspirators>. surreptitious applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority <the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons>. underhanded stresses fraud or deception <an underhanded trick>.

²secret

noun

Definition of SECRET

1

a : something kept hidden or unexplained : mystery

b : something kept from the knowledge of others or shared only confidentially with a few

c : a method, formula, or process used in an art or operation and divulged only to those of one's own company or craft : trade secret

d plural : the practices or knowledge making up the shared discipline or culture of an esoteric society

2

: a prayer traditionally said inaudibly by the celebrant just before the preface of the mass

3

: something taken to be a specific or key to a desired end <the secret of longevity>

— in secret

: in a private place or manner

Examples of SECRET

1. Don't tell him about the party—it's a secret.
2. I'm going to tell you a secret, but you have to promise not to tell anyone else.
3. You always look great. What's your secret?
4. She shared her beauty secrets with the group.
5. The secret to a good sauce is the base.
6. the secrets of the universe
7. one of nature's greatest secrets

First Known Use of SECRET

14th century

Related to SECRET

Synonyms

confidence

Related Words

dope, lowdown

Near Antonyms

open secret