Synonyms of conceal

conceal

verb

kən-ˈsēl 

1

as in to hide

to put into a hiding place

wisely concealed the documents in a drawer beneath a false bottom

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hide
• bury
• secrete
• stash
• cache
• ensconce
• hoard
• inter
• squirrel (away)
• entomb

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• display
• reveal
• exhibit
• expose
• uncover
• show
• bare
• unmask
• unveil
• flaunt
• show off
• parade
• unwrap
• unearth
• disinter

2

as in to obscure

to keep secret or shut off from view

the defense attorney accused the prosecutor of trying to conceal exculpatory evidence

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hide
• obscure
• suppress
• cover
• disguise
• mask
• cloak
• veil
• curtain
• belie
• overshadow
• blot out
• bury
• occult
• shroud
• camouflage
• blanket
• enshroud
• paper over
• screen
• block
• smother
• cover (up)
• obstruct
• whitewash
• darken
• occlude
• shade
• gloss (over)
• varnish
• gild
• becloud
• eclipse
• overcast
• cloud
• bedim
• befog

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reveal
• disclose
• expose
• show
• uncover
• divulge
• display
• bare
• present
• unveil
• unmask
• bring out
• uncloak
• clarify
• illuminate
• advertise
• publish
• publicize
• proclaim
• spread
• get out
• broadcast
• air

Synonym Chooser

How is the word conceal distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of conceal are bury, hide, screen, and secrete. While all these words mean "to withhold or withdraw from sight," conceal usually does imply intent and often specifically implies a refusal to divulge.

concealed the weapon

When would bury be a good substitute for conceal?

While the synonyms bury and conceal are close in meaning, bury implies covering up so as to hide completely.

buried the treasure

Where would hide be a reasonable alternative to conceal?

The synonyms hide and conceal are sometimes interchangeable, but hide may or may not suggest intent.

hide in the closet

a house hidden in the woods

When might screen be a better fit than conceal?

The words screen and conceal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, screen implies an interposing of something that prevents discovery.

a house screened by trees

When is secrete a more appropriate choice than conceal?

While in some cases nearly identical to conceal, secrete suggests a depositing in a place unknown to others.

secreted the amulet inside his shirt

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of conceal

Police soon had images of a suspect – wearing a hard hat, tinted glasses and a face mask – spray-painting the security cameras around Fandrich's car early that morning, to apparently conceal the crime. — Lauren Clark, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

The government says the organization told donors their money would help dismantle violent extremist groups while concealing that some funds were routed to the groups’ leaders and organizers. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026

The method used to conceal the president was a catering truck typically used on the tarmac to deliver food and beverages to airplanes, the Washington Post reported. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Authorities said the teenager was found at a distant relative's home and initially tried to conceal his identity. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026