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

The risk of secrecy The United States is entering a period of significant intergenerational wealth transfer as older Americans age, and family finances have grown increasingly nuanced and complex. —Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 14 Mar. 2026

The combination of Israel’s undeclared arsenal and Iran’s nuclear ambitions has created what many analysts describe as a tense strategic balance, one that relies heavily on deterrence and secrecy. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Mar. 2026

Practitioners at Paul Advisory & Legal Group PLLC have emphasized that effective protection depends less on secrecy and more on leverage. —Ascend Agency, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026

So many narratives around the trans experience are stories of light and shadow, of moving in darkness and secrecy. —Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 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