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

By coming forward, the former pastor hopes to expose what has been concealed for too long. —Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2025

But beneath her wit and warmth lies something guarded, secrets and sorrows carefully concealed. —Selome Hailu, Variety, 30 Oct. 2025

Snelling initially faced charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and concealing the birth of an infant. —Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025

Hockney made no effort to conceal that in the painting. —Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2025