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 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 The sale price was not divulged by the parties, but numerous press reports pegged it at around $4 billion, a new MLB record. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026 Her conversation with John also divulges the depths of his entwinement with current ring-bearer Hal Jordan, via a flashback to when John was a baby, in the all-important year of 1986. Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026 Crew members are also not required to divulge data, passenger manifests, or other records without a judicial warrant. Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for divulge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divulge
Verb
  • There’s a lot about the incident that Palo Alto couldn’t disclose — or doesn’t even know — including the specific company that was targeted, the identity of the human hacker, and what AI models were used.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • In April, commenting on the group’s performance in 2025, Marsocci said that, while not disclosing the performance by single brand, Emporio Armani had seen an increase in sales over the past two years.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Players have revealed their concerns about harassment and death threats reaching a traumatizing level.
    Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Astrophotographer Kevin Boardman captured this spectacular view of the Crescent Nebula, revealing intricate filaments of gas surrounding a massive star nearing the end of its life some 4,700 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cygnus.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In 2023, scientists used this approach to discover that beer byproducts were popular canvas primers for artists of the Danish Golden Age.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
  • They were first recorded in the Commonwealth in the mid-1980s, and one was discovered at the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest last year, around half an hour south of downtown Louisville.
    Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Home plate umpire Doug Eddings called time to tell Hancel Rincon to fix his hat.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Several parents previously told the Democrat-Gazette and other local media that the couple then disappeared and stopped responding to emails or phone calls.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Divulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divulge. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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