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

The Democrats, on Tuesday, also asked the White House to commit to vetoing any legislation passed to raise the age of eligibility for Social Security and to divulge whether officials have discussed changing the requirement, among other topics. —Sophia Vento, The Hill, 30 Sep. 2025

While discussing her relationship with acting, Pfeiffer hinted that a recent life change has shifted her perspective, and after dancing around the subject, divulged her big secret. —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025

Kelce and Reid declined to divulge what sparked the exchange. —Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025

Yet a mere 7 percent of the brands Fashion Revolution looked at divulged any efforts to electrify high-heat processes. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 25 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

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

divulge

verb

di·​vulge də-ˈvəlj 

dī-

divulged; divulging

: to make public : disclose

divulgence

-ˈvəl-jən(t)s 

noun