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

Public carry refers to legally carrying a firearm in public places, whether openly, where the gun is visible, or concealed, where the gun is hidden from public view. — George A. Mocsary, The Conversation, 7 July 2026

To conceal the theft from his investors, Correia refused to disclose his company’s financial records and gave false positive updates on SnoOwl’s status. — Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 6 July 2026

To conceal the scheme and hide the bribes, prosecutors say, Zhu entered into a sham retainer agreement with Carone’s younger brother, Anthony Carone, 54, who is alleged to have laundered the payments through his law firm. — Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 2 July 2026

The two allegedly stole incoming cash and concealed the thefts by generating checks and forging the court clerk’s signature. — Nathan Pilling july 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026