secret

¹se·cret

adj \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

see all synonyms and antonyms

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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>.