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

Recent criticism The century-old restaurant guide is famous for its secrecy; its inspectors are anonymous and the company releases only vague information about their evaluation process. — Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026

To this day, the actual reason for McMullen’s departure remains shrouded in secrecy. — Shubha Ghosh, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Her recent relapse, despite the secrecies and shame, was also a time of bliss. — James Wood, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

In a sea of influencers, Michelin’s century of dining expertise and its strict code of secrecy stand out. — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 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