secret 1 of 2

1
as in confidence
information shared only with another or with a select few you didn't really expect him to keep a secret from his wife, did you?

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2
as in mystery
something hard to understand or explain the secrets of the Egyptian pyramids include the construction methods used to lift the huge blocks of stone in place

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3

secret

2 of 2

adjective

1
2
as in undercover
working on missions in which one's objectives, activities, or true identity are not publicly revealed secret agents whose wartime exploits were known only by top government officials

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3
as in secluded
screened or sequestered from view a secret cave that is screened by trees

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4

Synonym Chooser

How is the word secret distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of secret are clandestine, covert, furtive, stealthy, surreptitious, and underhanded. While all these words mean "done without attracting observation," secret implies concealment on any grounds for any motive.

met at a secret location

When would clandestine be a good substitute for secret?

While the synonyms clandestine and secret are close in meaning, clandestine implies secrecy usually for an evil, illicit, or unauthorized purpose and often emphasizes the fear of being discovered.

a clandestine meeting of conspirators

In what contexts can covert take the place of secret?

In some situations, the words covert and secret are roughly equivalent. However, covert stresses the fact of not being open or declared.

covert intelligence operations

When is furtive a more appropriate choice than secret?

The synonyms furtive and secret are sometimes interchangeable, but furtive implies a sly or cautious stealthiness.

lovers exchanging furtive glances

When is it sensible to use stealthy instead of secret?

The words stealthy and secret can be used in similar contexts, but stealthy suggests taking pains to avoid being seen or heard especially in some misdoing.

the stealthy step of a burglar

Where would surreptitious be a reasonable alternative to secret?

The words surreptitious and secret are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, surreptitious applies to action or behavior done secretly often with skillful avoidance of detection and in violation of custom, law, or authority.

the surreptitious stockpiling of weapons

When could underhanded be used to replace secret?

While in some cases nearly identical to secret, underhanded stresses fraud or deception.

an underhanded trick

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 secret
Noun
What secrets still lurk in Lake Mead? Austin Corona, AZCentral.com, 5 Sep. 2025 The recipe was a family secret until 1998, when brothers and co-owners Trey and Will Sims quit their day jobs to start a pickle company with their friend Andy Anderson. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Homeless after impulsively signing herself out of the institution, Maria Angeles hatches a plan to squat in secret in her beloved apartment. Guy Lodge, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025 Massie, who has singled out House Speaker Mike Johnson for trying to keep the files secret, needs 218 signatures to move what's called a discharge petition forward over the objection of the House Republican leadership, who normally control which bills are brought to the House floor. Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for secret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secret
Noun
  • Beccacece has tried to channel the growing confidence.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • These numbers highlight a challenge that extends far beyond accounting, and that’s not understanding the critical link between financial confidence and entrepreneurial growth.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • These fossils are now helping to solve a mystery in paleontology.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025
  • At the baseline, that means making sure not to let the trash can overflow and instead taking it out often, as well as ensuring spots like your trash can, sink disposal, or fridge are free of any mystery odors.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The key is to acknowledge that when forming your conclusion based on the information you have been given.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The group lost their keys during their excursion, so the rangers provided the group a ride to their rental lodging.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Bundy family’s statement noted this and said their destination was not clandestine, as the FBI document alleged.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The result was the Commandos, who operated in clandestine raids behind the lines to harass the enemy with remarkable success.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In it, Super Bowl-winning quarterback Eli Manning goes undercover in heavy prosthetics and a wig and dons the alias Chad Powers to try out as a walk-on quarterback for Penn State football.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Senate Bill 627, for example, would prohibit law enforcement agents from covering their faces to obscure their identity, carving out exceptions for SWAT teams and undercover officers.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Surrounded by rocky limestone cliffs, verdant rainforests and the emerald Andaman Sea, the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a secluded, 54-room temple to contemporary Thai design that is as beautiful as its backdrop.
    Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Sunset and Ocean Isle beaches are favorites for families, while Caswell and Bald Head Island are more secluded and rich with wildlife.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • All calls are toll-free and confidential.
    Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • An adequate business connection-building organization customarily structures its groups around confidential discussion boards, consistent conferences or meetings, and like-minded experiences.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Powerball winners, results for 9/6/25 lottery drawing jackpot A ticket bought in Missouri and a ticket sold in Texas matched all six numbers to win Saturday night's Powerball jackpot.
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Powerball drawing winner results for 9/6/25 lottery jackpot A ticket bought in Missouri and a ticket sold in Texas matched all six numbers to win Saturday night's Powerball jackpot.
    Chris Sims, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Secret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secret. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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