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

Across 240 pages, Landfair describes how she became ensnared in Kelly’s web and how the singer kept her trapped there for more than a decade through a persistent and dizzying combination of love-bombing, control, secrecy, and abuse. —Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2026

And so to be able to lose weight and feel healthy and support my body in a way that feels like a good example to my daughters and also without shame or secrecy has just been a new chapter for me. —Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026

That secrecy benefits investors – not victims or taxpayers. —Jaime Huff, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026

Cassel’s goal is also more layers of secrecy — the last thing Florida needs. —Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 31 Jan. 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