screen 1 of 2

noun

ˈskrēn How to pronounce screen (audio)
Definition of screennext
1
as in film
the art or business of making a movie he was a star of both stage and screen

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in defense
means or method of defending the target will be difficult to reach as it is behind a screen of anti-aircraft batteries

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

screen

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to protect
to drive danger or attack away from attack helicopters were called in to help screen the troops from further attacks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to hide
to keep secret or shut off from view bushes screened the swimming pool from passersby on the street

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to filter
to pass through a filter you should screen the cooking oil to remove impurities

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to cover
to place a protective layer over screened his eyes with his hand to block the sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word screen distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of screen are bury, conceal, hide, and secrete. While all these words mean "to withhold or withdraw from sight," screen implies an interposing of something that prevents discovery.

a house screened by trees

When would bury be a good substitute for screen?

The synonyms bury and screen are sometimes interchangeable, but bury implies covering up so as to hide completely.

buried the treasure

When might conceal be a better fit than screen?

The words conceal and screen can be used in similar contexts, but conceal usually does imply intent and often specifically implies a refusal to divulge.

concealed the weapon

When could hide be used to replace screen?

The meanings of hide and screen largely overlap; however, hide may or may not suggest intent.

hide in the closet
a house hidden in the woods

Where would secrete be a reasonable alternative to screen?

While in some cases nearly identical to screen, 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 screen
Noun
Leung is a product of the Snarky Elephant Incubator, a multi-year development program for emerging film industry creators whose work embodies the company’s mission of bringing more diverse content to the screen. —Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025 The romantic sparks transcended the boundaries of the screen, with the pair dating in real life from 2007 to 2010. —Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
In addition, men are less likely to screen for cancers. —Allison Aubrey, NPR, 6 Oct. 2025 Security screening is operating. —Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for screen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for screen
  1. film
  2. defense
  3. protect
  4. hide
  5. filter
  6. cover
  7. movie
  8. wall
Noun
  • The film, which was found under a carpet and in a duct along with jewelry worn by Schaefer, served as evidence when Ignatow was convicted of perjury for lying to a federal grand jury about his involvement in Schaefer's death.
    — Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The video player page includes a description, links to similar content, and the ability to give a film a thumbs up or thumbs down.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Oct. 2025
Definition of film
Noun
  • Welcome to the third iteration of The Athletic’s annual defense ranking tiers.
    — Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Subramanian is also weighing a defense motion to have Combs' convictions tossed.
    — Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Definition of defense
Verb
  • The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The commission reports the use of the ATMs by scammers, who urge consumers to deposit cash into them to protect their savings, is on the rise.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2025
Definition of protect
Verb
  • In addition to being faster and scalable, fiber doesn’t hide metals worth extracting and reselling.
    — Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Turns out, Kelce was hiding more than just nerves.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of hide
Verb
  • With countless options to choose from, there’s a curtain or drape to suit every interior design look and light-filtering need.
    — Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Some water bottles filter upwards through a straw via suction, some use gravity to drip down, and others use pressure or a pump.
    — Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Oct. 2025
Definition of filter
Verb
  • With over a decade-long career in journalism, Neetika Walter has worked with The Economic Times, ANI, and Hindustan Times, covering politics, business, technology, and the clean energy sector.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Definition of cover
Noun
  • For movie nights on a massive screen, this projector delivers.
    — Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Dress them up or down for work meetings, a movie night at home, or brunch with friends.
    — Laura Lu, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025
Definition of movie
Noun
  • Kirk followed Guerrero the next inning, slamming the first of his two homers over the outfield wall.
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Definition of wall

Phrases Containing screen

Browse Nearby Words

screeching
screen
screened
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Cite this Entry

“Screen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/screen. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on screen

Nglish: Translation of screen for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about screen

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