Definition of disclosenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disclose differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of disclose are betray, divulge, reveal, and tell. While all these words mean "to make known what has been or should be concealed," disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret.

candidates must disclose their financial assets

Where would betray be a reasonable alternative to disclose?

The synonyms betray and disclose are sometimes interchangeable, but betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure.

a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

In what contexts can divulge take the place of disclose?

While the synonyms divulge and disclose are close in meaning, divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence.

refused to divulge an anonymous source

When would reveal be a good substitute for disclose?

While in some cases nearly identical to disclose, reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason.

divine will as revealed in sacred writings

When is it sensible to use tell instead of disclose?

In some situations, the words tell and disclose are roughly equivalent. However, tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information.

told them what he had overheard

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 disclose The distinction matters because the SEC generally regulates securities, such as stocks, and requires companies offering them to disclose financial information and investment risks. — Mike Winters, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026 Losat did not disclose the identities of the suspect, victim, or security guard involved in the incident. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026 It is expected the deal, financial terms of which were not disclosed, will be sealed in the first quarter of 2027. — Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2026 Applications to the school do not require applicants to disclose prior criminal convictions, the person said. — Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disclose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disclose
Verb
  • But the midterms revealed a broad backlash against redistricting efforts in the South that were aimed at boosting Republicans and, by extension, reducing Black representation.
    — BILL BARROW, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
  • In his acceptance speech, Villeneuve revealed a little about his creative expression, too, and used it as a lead-in to confront the existential crisis imposed by artificial intelligence.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • No explosives have been discovered at the affected aircraft or broadcasting facilities.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
  • What the international team did hearkens back to the days of old, when American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto in 1930.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The official also told Reuters that Washington was reviewing the proposal but ​declined to provide further details.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Georgiev-Remmel told the court there was no specific date set to carry out any removals.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Independence matters most when problems emerge The real test of independent oversight comes when an assessment uncovers something a developer would rather not hear.
    — Avani Desai, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026
  • In brain-mapping studies that recalled Wilder Penfield’s pioneering work, his team steadily uncovered fundamental principles of how speech is represented by neural activity.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disclose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disclose. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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