divulge

verb

di·​vulge də-ˈvəlj 

dī-

divulged; divulging

transitive verb

1

: to make known (something, such as a confidence or secret)

refused to divulge the name of her informant

divulge the company's sales figures

2

archaic : to make public : proclaim

divulgence

də-ˈvəl-jən(t)s 

dī-

noun

Did you know?

Information divulged is typically secret, or known only to insiders, and it isn't usually shouted from the rooftops. But when divulge first entered English in the 15th century, it did so as a synonym of proclaim: divulging involved declaring or announcing something to the public, a duty of town criers from Lizard Point to Dunnet Head. The word’s source is Latin vulgare, “to make known,” which traces ultimately back to the Latin noun vulgus, meaning “common people” or “mob.” While nowadays divulge can presumably involve blabbing to the rabble, the word usually implies a more careful and considered approach to sharing sensitive information.

Synonyms

• disclose
• reveal
• discover
• tell

Choose the Right Synonym for divulge

reveal, disclose, divulge, tell, betray mean to make known what has been or should be concealed.

reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason.

divine will as revealed in sacred writings

disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret.

candidates must disclose their financial assets

divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence.

refused to divulge an anonymous source

tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information.

told them what he had overheard

betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure.

a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

Examples of divulge in a Sentence

The company will not divulge its sales figures.

we tried to make him divulge the name of the winner, but he wouldn't budge

Recent Examples on the Web

In Australia, jury members must remain anonymous even after the trial and are bound by law not to divulge discussions held in the jury room. —Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025

However, most associations don’t divulge disciplinary actions to the entire HOA community and keep enforcement activities confidential. —Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 5 Sep. 2025

Yet, without divulging specifics, Robbie does commit serious crimes throughout the series. —Emily Longeretta, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025

However, little is known about it and nothing officially has been divulged since the news first came out in 2023. —EW.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin divulgare, from dis- + vulgare to make known, from vulgus mob

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for divulge

• indulge
• bulge

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Kids Definition

divulge

verb

di·​vulge də-ˈvəlj 

dī-

divulged; divulging

: to make public : disclose

divulgence

-ˈvəl-jən(t)s 

noun