disclose

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 authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Adam Stanaland, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2026 The lawsuit also claims that a second, independent autopsy showed Psalms had bleeding in his brain that the first autopsy did not disclose. Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026 The Pentagon has not disclosed the location of the third, the USS Canberra. Chris Boccia, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026 Financial terms were not disclosed. Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disclose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disclose
Verb
  • Researchers have revealed that semiconductor electrodes can achieve green hydrogen production.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026
  • For six straight weeks, the stories and novel chapters handed in for my creative-writing class were predictably grim, and then, out of nowhere, a student revealed herself to be a true writer.
    Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Parker, who had a history of mental illness and suicide attempts, was discovered hanging inside his cell last Sunday, the Sheriff’s Office said.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
  • So the drum resurfaced as the second discovered in a burial context, cementing a new understanding of the role the drum played in ancient southwestern Chinese cultures.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Since childhood, letter writer was told to show up for older siblings who never reciprocated.
    Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2026
  • One of Ghazali's neighbors told The Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, that the assailant's brother was killed in an airstrike.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Federal investigators said their review uncovered broader violations, concluding the district also allowed male students to access female-only facilities and compete on girls teams.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Some guacamole was uncovered in the cooler, employees hadn’t completed an accredited food course and water in the hand sink and three-compartment sink didn’t reach an acceptable temperature.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disclose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disclose. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

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