screen 1 of 2

noun

ˈskrēn How to pronounce screen (audio)
Definition of screennext
1
as in film
the art or business of making a movie he was a star of both stage and screen

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in defense
means or method of defending the target will be difficult to reach as it is behind a screen of anti-aircraft batteries

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

screen

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to protect
to drive danger or attack away from attack helicopters were called in to help screen the troops from further attacks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to hide
to keep secret or shut off from view bushes screened the swimming pool from passersby on the street

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to filter
to pass through a filter you should screen the cooking oil to remove impurities

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to cover
to place a protective layer over screened his eyes with his hand to block the sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word screen distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of screen are bury, conceal, hide, and secrete. While all these words mean "to withhold or withdraw from sight," screen implies an interposing of something that prevents discovery.

a house screened by trees

When would bury be a good substitute for screen?

The synonyms bury and screen are sometimes interchangeable, but bury implies covering up so as to hide completely.

buried the treasure

When might conceal be a better fit than screen?

The words conceal and screen can be used in similar contexts, but conceal usually does imply intent and often specifically implies a refusal to divulge.

concealed the weapon

When could hide be used to replace screen?

The meanings of hide and screen largely overlap; however, hide may or may not suggest intent.

hide in the closet
a house hidden in the woods

Where would secrete be a reasonable alternative to screen?

While in some cases nearly identical to screen, secrete suggests a depositing in a place unknown to others.

secreted the amulet inside his shirt

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of screen
Noun
Even before her passing, Diana’s life was being adapted to the screen. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 23 Aug. 2026 Some of the Chiefs’ top rookie defenders made plays early, including screen stops on back-to-back plays. — Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
The feature, a coming of age drama set in the world of competitive mathematics and academia, is generating interest from potential buyers, though it is not expected to be screened for them until the fest. — Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026 The response was kinder when the Red Sox screened a tribute video for Devers in between the first and second innings. — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for screen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for screen
  1. film
  2. defense
  3. protect
  4. hide
  5. filter
  6. cover
  7. movie
  8. wall
Noun
  • Whenever the veteran coach looked at game film, Scott always seemed to be there making a big throw or run.
    — Stan Awtrey, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • At the same time, the film tells a true story that powerfully illustrates how indispensable investigative journalism is in uncovering historical crimes.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of film
Noun
  • An Israeli military source told CNN the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had gathered intelligence on Turkey’s plans to deploy personnel, drones and air-defense systems at the site.
    — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Somebody years ago should have realized NSA Bahrain could be attacked, its air defense might fail and it could be disabled in a long war.
    — John Seiler, Oc Register, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of defense
Verb
  • The tiny and quick drones are being deployed in an increasing number of school districts – part of a growing school security industry as parents and schools find new ways to protect students and staff from carnage.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Talk through the number, name what feels fair, and choose the version of fun that protects trust.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of protect
Verb
  • Russia has broadly defied economic expectations through four-and-a-half years of full-scale war with Ukraine, although analysts have suggested that cracks in Putin’s wartime economy are becoming harder to hide.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Vicki could barely hide her disgust that Luann’s antics get more respect than her insurance business.
    — Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of hide
Verb
  • Advanced algorithms dynamically adjust bids toward a target cost per action (CPA), automatically filtering out irrelevant traffic and ensuring a stable ROI without the need for constant fine-tuning.
    — Ivan Doruda, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Sunlight bent and filtered through Earth's atmosphere leaks into the shadow, carrying the red-orange glow of every sunrise and sunset around the world.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of filter
Verb
  • Some of those rescued are covered in mud and appear injured after being battered by the flood, one video shows.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Researchers studying how Medicare insurers cover GLP-1s have found that recipients have faced increases in out-of-pocket costs and that almost all plans now require prior authorization, which can make getting the drugs more difficult.
    — Jackie Fortiér, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of cover
Noun
  • Dark movie theaters, or creepy home basements, are the classic venues of choice for those who love supernatural scares.
    — Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Paranormal Activity, the play, builds to the sort of slick and grisly finale that would be just right for the end of a cruel horror movie, but that lands awkwardly onstage.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of movie
Noun
  • The Cohen Building originally housed the Social Security Administration, an important piece of the New Deal legacy, and contains frescoes painted in the 1940s by famed artist Seymour Fogel on the entrance lobby walls, Okin said.
    — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Polished stone-tile floors, whitewashed walls, and spacious bathrooms are common elements of all the rooms.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of wall

Phrases Containing screen

Browse Nearby Words

screeching
screen
screened
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Screen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/screen. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on screen

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about screen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of southpaw

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All