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 of secrecy

• 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

Executions are carried out in secrecy in Japan, where prisoners are not informed of their fate until the morning of their hanging. — CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Even aside from the war games, chips seem to have become a locus of secrecy and international intrigue. — Rakesh Kumar, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

The secrecy mandate in state law shrouds more than just the financial details of a project. — Rob Davis, ProPublica, 21 Aug. 2026

But the secrecy took a toll as Bullock took on the burden of coordinating Randall’s care and seeking out trial drugs and therapies, among other hurdles. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026

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