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

Maxwell’s attorneys said the Justice Department obtained the documents — otherwise subject to secrecy orders — improperly during its criminal investigation of Maxwell. —Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026

The Justice Department recently asked a judge to lift secrecy requirements on the files. —Michael R. Sisak, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026

The secrecy also prevents athletes from knowing their true market value — maybe running backs are making more at one school or in one conference. —ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026

The detention centers, possibly re-education centers, operated in total secrecy for capricious punishments. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 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