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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of conceal According to The New York Times, Tamura left a three-page note in his wallet criticizing the NFL for concealing the dangers of football. Dianna Russini, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2025 Mike Rodríguez introduced a resolution calling on the Illinois General Assembly to ban federal agents from concealing their identities by wearing masks. Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025 Beyond medical interventions, many people with FFA use makeup and prosthetic hair pieces to conceal sparse and scarred parts. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 6 Aug. 2025 The trust premium that sustainability generates comes from transparency, not virtue concealed in spreadsheets. Solitaire Townsend, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conceal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conceal
Verb
  • The moment, which quickly went viral, saw the pair duck to hide their faces from the camera, setting off alarm bells and becoming instant fodder for online chatter.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
  • In the end, there doesn’t appear to have ever been a shooter to hide from or disarm.
    Ryan Anderson, Arkansas Online, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • This thinking — amplified by extensive 24/7 hybrid media coverage and heated venture capital echo chambers — obscures a more nuanced transformation occurring at the periphery of traditional power structures.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • But the sensational framing obscures what's really happening: design flaws dressed up as intentional guile.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • You were supposed to bury sentiment, cut the cord and fully inhabit your current, non-customizable uniform right down to your plain black cleats.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2025
  • The very next possession, fellow punter Ryan Wright cleanly handled a snap and hold, and Reichard buried a 58 yarder.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 23 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The air force said Russia launched 270 drones and 10 missiles into Ukraine, of which 30 drones and six missiles were intercepted or suppressed.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2025
  • The warming can leap back without something to suppress it.
    Chris Mooney, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Corina Vanek covers development for The Arizona Republic.
    Corina Vanek, AZCentral.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Diners don't need coupons or special passes to access the special menus covering breakfast, lunch and dinner.
    Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • These phrases are emotional napalm disguised as communication.
    Brendan Keegan, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Together, the women form a secret pact — disguised as a book club— to exact revenge.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conceal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conceal. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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