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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
To contain cords and computer accessories, add a shelf above your desk and use decorative baskets to hide cords and knickknacks. Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Nov. 2025 Juneid and his men storm Ridwaan’s house in retaliation, believing the police officer is hiding the missing children. Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
After all, eminence can be a solitary business, not least for someone with as tough a hide as Hopkins’s. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025 There were so many sensations with me now, like burrs stuck to the hide of a passing animal. Ryan Knighton, AFAR Media, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hide
Noun
  • Fur trappers, the almanac stated, used this time to hunt beavers for their pelts.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Fur trappers, the almanac stated, used this time to hunt beavers for their pelts.
    John Tufts, IndyStar, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The Unexpected Pairing When getting dressed for a night out with the girls or a romantic date night, Banana Republic’s leather bomber rises to the occasion.
    Minty Mellon, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2025
  • First up in the offering is the 3-Eye Vibram Reflective Cold-Bay, which pairs a reflective leather and rubber upper with Thinsulate insulation and a leather insole.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • There are ski helmets and Stetsons, colorful Gortex bibs and brown cowhide chaps, floor-length fur coats and hip-length puffer jackets — and of course, ski boots and cowboy boots.
    Cari Shane, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025
  • The star sparkled in a curve-hugging black sequin Diane von Furstenberg gown, adding a black fur stole and piles of diamond jewelry.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The green husks contain a natural dye that will stain skin, clothes and concrete.
    Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Transdermal patches, gels or rings deliver estrogen that is absorbed directly through the skin which research shows can lower the risk of blood clots.
    Allison Aubrey, NPR, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • All face charges of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and additional juvenile cases may be under seal.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Pour over eggs; squeeze out excess air and seal bag.
    Maddy Bendgen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The top coat gave it an extra gel-like finish.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The ready-to-wear collection includes coats, tailoring and knitwear, shirts, dresses and custom prints.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hide. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hide

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