secret

adjective

Save Word

se·cret | \ ˈsē-krət

Definition of secret

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : kept from knowledge or view : hidden

b : marked by the habit of discretion : closemouthed

c : working with hidden aims or methods : undercover a secret agent

d : not acknowledged : unavowed a secret bride

e : conducted in secret a secret trial

2 : remote from human frequentation or notice : secluded

3 : revealed only to the initiated : esoteric

4 : designed to elude observation or detection a secret panel

5 : containing information whose unauthorized disclosure could endanger national security — compare confidential, top secret

secret

noun

Definition of secret (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : something kept hidden or unexplained : mystery

b : something kept from the knowledge of others or shared only confidentially with a few

c : a method, formula, or process used in an art or operation and divulged only to those of one's own company or craft : trade secret

d secrets plural : the practices or knowledge making up the shared discipline or culture of an esoteric society

2 : a prayer traditionally said inaudibly by the celebrant just before the preface of the mass

3 : something taken to be a specific or key to a desired end the secret of longevity

in secret

: in a private place or manner

Other Words from secret Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about secret

Keep scrolling for more

Choose the Right Synonym for secret

Adjective

secret, covert, stealthy, furtive, clandestine, surreptitious, underhanded mean done without attracting observation. secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive. met at a secret location covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared. covert intelligence operations stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing. the stealthy step of a burglar furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness. lovers exchanging furtive glances clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered. a clandestine meeting of conspirators surreptitious applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority. the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons underhanded stresses fraud or deception. an underhanded trick

Examples of secret in a Sentence

Adjective Her secret wish is to become a senator. The message was written in secret code. I don't know the secret password. He was sent on a secret mission. They engaged in secret negotiations with the enemy. She tried to keep her marriage secret. They've been very secret about their plans. Noun Don't tell him about the party—it's a secret. I'm going to tell you a secret, but you have to promise not to tell anyone else. You always look great. What's your secret? She shared her beauty secrets with the group. The secret to a good sauce is the base. the secrets of the universe one of nature's greatest secrets

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Adversity and rejection would haunt you over and over, but focusing on your goals and appreciating the lessons learned would be your secret weapon. — Expert Panel, Forbes, "10 Proven Ways To Build Resilience As An Entrepreneur," 21 May 2021 From the start, singer-songwriter-producer V was BTS’ secret weapon. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, "BTS' V on His Upcoming Mixtape, His Love of 'The Godfather,' and Being a 'Secret Member'," 20 May 2021 Now, cutting-edge formulas are the secret weapon behind glowing skin. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "The Best Sunscreen for Glowing Skin: 10 Formulas to Try This Summer," 18 May 2021 This versatile secret weapon that can act as a roasting pan, soup pot and bread baker all in one! — Arielle Tschinkel, USA TODAY, "The Staub Dutch oven is better than a Le Creuset—and the tall model is on sale for $200," 18 May 2021 Janks quickly became fast friends with the history-making rhino shortly after his arrival at Carson Springs with the help of one secret weapon: watermelon. — Alejandra Zamora, orlandosentinel.com, "Oldest rhino in captivity celebrates 40th birthday at Florida wildlife rescue center," 17 May 2021 Ahead of the premiere, the comedian talks white guilt, her musical career, girl-bossing, and why Fenty is her secret weapon. — Clarkisha Kent, refinery29.com, "Ziwe Brings Her Signature Audacity to Showtime," 10 May 2021 Lamar also has a secret weapon in the form of Jay Rock, his labelmate who drives in with one of the best guest verses in rap history. — Troy L. Smith, cleveland, "200 greatest hip-hop songs of all time," 13 Apr. 2021 White jeans are often the secret weapon in our classic arsenal. — Olivia Hosken, Town & Country, "5 Ways to Perfectly Style White Jeans," 12 Apr. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Although the Kennedy Center tries to keep the artists who are performing tributes a secret, James Taylor posted a photo on social media showing the 2016 honoree rehearsing his performance honoring his friend, Brooks. — Washington Post, "Emerging from a long pause, the return of the Kennedy Center Honors is a breath of fresh air," 22 May 2021 How did you guys manage to keep it a secret from her on set? — Lauren Huff, EW.com, "Donnie Wahlberg was on Masked Singer before Cluedle-Doo reveal and nobody noticed — even wife Jenny McCarthy," 21 May 2021 While Prince Charles's diagnosis was made public, William opted to keep his own illness a secret. — Emma Dibdin, Town & Country, "Prince William Has Received His First Dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine," 20 May 2021 For a long time, Porter kept his diagnosis a secret from many people, including his mother. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Billy Porter Opens Up About His HIV-Positive Diagnosis for the First Time," 19 May 2021 Luca and Alberto spend a summer filled with gelato and scooters all while trying to keep their identities a secret from the locals. — Madison Durham, USA TODAY, "How to watch Luca—Disney and Pixar's latest sea monster adventure coming this summer," 18 May 2021 But in this case, prosecutors got a court order in November to keep the subpoena secret, citing a fear that its disclosure could harm the investigation. — Katelyn Polantz, CNN, "Justice Department sought to unmask Devin Nunes parody Twitter account this year, court records show," 17 May 2021 Another investigation conducted by the Arizona Republic, discovered that Phoenix police frequently purge officers' records to keep police misconduct a secret. — Star Tribune, "Analysis of police misconduct record laws in all 50 states," 12 May 2021 Woodrow Wilson kept it a secret when strokes paralyzed his left side, and Franklin D. Roosevelt famously masked the effects of polio. — Matt Viser, Anchorage Daily News, "White House says Biden will release updated health information later this year," 11 May 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'secret.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.