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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Her studies are still in use in police training today, so the solutions to each are kept a close secret and have never been revealed publicly. Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025 Crossing the threshold into this quiet oasis near the former Berlin Wall feels like stumbling across a secret. Diana Hubbell, Saveur, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Fluorine’s secret advantage The study identified three key mechanisms behind FCOPs’ high efficiency. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025 The format takes place in a remote forest village, where a group of strangers known as the Villagers compete to win a prize, while hidden amongst them are the Werewolves, a secret set plotting to eliminate players one by one and steal the prize. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for secret
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secret
Noun
  • This emotional confidence will encourage upbeat times socializing with others, as well as exploring sports events and fun activities with kids.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The Gators’ performance didn’t appear to spark confidence in athletic director Scott Stricklin.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In the forties, exactly how the body dealt with starvation remained a mystery.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2025
  • At this time, Mone's mystery opponent has not been listed internally.
    Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Just as a right-handed glove cannot fit a left hand or how a key precisely fits a lock, interactions between molecules often depend on chirality, and living systems need consistent patterns of chirality to function properly.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The front zipper pocket gives you easy access to your phone, iPad Mini or your book, while the larger pocket easily holds a water bottle, wallet, keys and other personal belongings.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Joint operations by the Civil Police and the Health Surveillance Agency have led to the closure of four clandestine factories and the arrest of 41 people, according to a statement by the government of São Paulo.
    Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Instead of being purely driven by a life-changing amount of money, Carrie has feelings for Richard, having carried on a clandestine affair with him before their murder plot.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Though the story that White had told the undercover officers didn’t suggest an intentional killing, he was charged with murder.
    Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Border czar Tom Homan received $50,000 in cash from undercover FBI agents.
    Kate Wolffe October 9, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Nestled along a private stretch of creek, the hotel feels secluded and tranquil but is also steps away from the heart of town.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The 106-minute documentary, directed and produced by Swift, was filmed at Aaron Dessner's secluded Long Pond Studio in New York's Hudson Valley.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Fill out the confidential form below, and a reporter may reach out to you.
    Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025
  • All calls are toll-free and confidential.
    KC Baker, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The interior zippered pocket is also perfect for keeping passports, tickets, or snacks easily accessible.
    Alexis Benveniste, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
  • According to a criminal complaint obtained by WKBN, Thomas and a woman entered the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium without tickets through a temporary exit amid the zoo's remodeling.
    Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Secret.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secret. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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