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

Colleen in the service of good was wilier than the friends of secrecy and found a way to thwart their plan. —Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026

And secrecy is baked into how AI labs operate even before the warfare applications. —Parmy Olson, Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2026

Sometimes, a mission name isn't about secrecy, but conveying a message to drive symbolism and morale, the legal blog added. —Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2026

All guests and staff had to sign confidentiality agreements to maintain strict secrecy, and invitations were sent out only days before the wedding. —Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 6 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