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

• closeness
• 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

Levy acknowledged the level of secrecy — and unconfirmed rumors, including speculation about a Taylor Swift cameo — but is keeping the details of the film close to the vest. —Kimberly Nordyke, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Apr. 2024

Very quickly, students who came to the New School realized it was governed by a culture of secrecy and insularity. —Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2024

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