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hide

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verb (2)

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hide

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word hide distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of hide are bury, conceal, screen, and secrete. While all these words mean "to withhold or withdraw from sight," hide may or may not suggest intent.

hide in the closet
a house hidden in the woods

When might bury be a better fit than hide?

The words bury and hide are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bury implies covering up so as to hide completely.

buried the treasure

When could conceal be used to replace hide?

In some situations, the words conceal and hide are roughly equivalent. However, conceal usually does imply intent and often specifically implies a refusal to divulge.

concealed the weapon

Where would screen be a reasonable alternative to hide?

Although the words screen and hide have much in common, screen implies an interposing of something that prevents discovery.

a house screened by trees

When would secrete be a good substitute for hide?

The meanings of secrete and hide largely overlap; however, 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 hide
Verb
Police soon began receiving 911 calls from neighbors who spotted the suspects trying to hide in backyards. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025 To do this, a small team at the automaker’s Weissach development center outfitted the Martini silver vehicle with rudimentary exhaust mufflers, additional mirrors, side indicators, a horn, and even a spare wheel hidden away beneath the rear clamshell. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
Leather and Suede Coats These natural animal hide coats should be cleaned by a professional at the end of the winter season or if they are heavily stained. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025 The report said Vuitton has struggled due to a lack of skilled leather workers able to produce at the brand’s quality standards, and errors made during the cutting, preparation, and assembly process led to the waste of as many as 40 percent of the leather hides, according to former workers. Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hide
Noun
  • His supporters swiftly took to the streets in Bucharest, CNN’s affiliate Antena 3 reported, with some tearing up asphalt from the roads to pelt police who had amassed to guard the BEC building.
    Christian Edwards, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Clouded leopards are threatened by deforestation and poaching, as land is cleared for palm oil agriculture and they are hunted for their teeth, pelt and bones used in some traditional medicine, according to the Smithsonian.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Hanging on the wall behind him is a framed photograph of a younger Sam next to a motorcycle, in dark glasses and a leather jacket.
    Ashley Milne-Tyte, NPR, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The multiple colors and finishes (vegan leather, wood, Alcantara) make these phones stand out against a world of black, white, and gray devices.
    Iyaz Akhtar, PC Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The young woman wore a Dr. Zhivago fur hat, and laughed in a contagious way.
    Spencer Reece, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Simple, but elegant, the bright white and cream–color rooms are contrasted by dark walnut headboards and nightstands, while the faux fur throw strewn over the bed adds a hint of lavishness.
    Christina Liao, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Dyeing eggs also dates back to the ancient Middle East when people used onion skins to color them, Kizenko said.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Veins branching along my skin like the waterways of my mother country.
    Lauren Vuong, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Papal rings were once used as seals for official documents.
    George Petras, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • What to know about Kevin Farrell Farrell puts a seals on the papal apartment of the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City on April 21, 2025.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • According to one reviewer, its solid wood frame is comfortable and sturdy, and convenient for keeping coats, handbags, and other personal items.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Gently coat the mascara on your lashes and wait about 30 seconds before wearing a second coat.
    Celeste Polanco, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hide. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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