Definition of divulgenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb divulge differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of divulge are betray, disclose, reveal, and tell. While all these words mean "to make known what has been or should be concealed," divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence.

refused to divulge an anonymous source

When might betray be a better fit than divulge?

While in some cases nearly identical to divulge, betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure.

a blush that betrayed her embarrassment

Where would disclose be a reasonable alternative to divulge?

Although the words disclose and divulge have much in common, disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret.

candidates must disclose their financial assets

When is reveal a more appropriate choice than divulge?

In some situations, the words reveal and divulge are roughly equivalent. However, 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

In what contexts can tell take the place of divulge?

The synonyms tell and divulge are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 divulge The same goes for his pledge to divulge more of his true self despite being in a new environment. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026 In statements to other news outlets, including CT Insider and the New York Post, company representatives have not divulged the extent of layoffs or efforts to consolidate operations across its newsrooms. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2026 Burnt Tavern doesn't divulge the details about how it's mastered the balanced, subtle, signature smokey flavor in its bourbon, said Bennett Clark the president of Burnt Tavern Bourbon and William Berkele Distillery. — Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 8 Sep. 2026 At the time, Earle didn’t divulge details about what prompted her departure, but hinted at there being friction in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. — Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for divulge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divulge
Verb
  • Cseh, the archive's director, said successor governments to dictatorships rarely disclose the names of previous agents and informants, let alone records as detailed as those Hungary is preparing to release.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Baldwin alleged that decision was just one part of a pattern of disturbing prosecutorial abuses, including presenting false information to the grand jury, failing to disclose two firearms reports, and filing an unlawful gun enhancement.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • When John reveals the Halogram to Kerry (after fair warning), the look on her face is a mix of shock and agony.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Madonna then descended the stairs and removed her coat to reveal a red-and-black corset as dancers lifted her onto a table that rolled around a choir in the audience wearing white veils.
    — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Anyone checking on court appointments for the day in California superior or appellate courts or the California Supreme Court may have been surprised to discover the court system is closed for a state holiday.
    — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Cage solved my next problem by insisting that the way to discover new things is to overcome our dependence on our likes and dislikes, those supposed pillars of criticism.
    — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Serena tells him his former boss Elliott Wyatt recommended him highly, which is strange given his former reticence.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
  • After the election, legislating is an obvious place to go, given the public and many lawmakers in both parties want to see something done, the tech industry source told Semafor.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Divulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divulge. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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