Thesaurus

secret

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: When could 'underhanded' be used to replace 'secret'?

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

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of secret

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 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?

Synonyms for secret

confidence

Words Related to secret

dope,
lowdown

Near Antonyms for secret

open secret

2 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

Synonyms for secret

Words Related to secret

3 something that allows someone to achieve a desired goal

the secret to advancement in this company is hard work and dedication

Synonyms for secret

Words Related to secret

password

secret

adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms of secret (Entry 2 of 2)

1 undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others

a secret operation to rescue captive soldiers behind enemy lines

Synonyms for secret

Words Related to secret

Near Antonyms for secret

Antonyms for secret

2 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

Synonyms for secret

undercover

Words Related to secret

Near Antonyms for secret

overt

3 screened or sequestered from view

a secret cave that is screened by trees

Synonyms for secret

Words Related to secret

private

Near Antonyms for secret

exposed

4 not known or meant to be known by the general populace

proprietary information that the company does its best to keep secret

Synonyms for secret

Words Related to secret

personal

Near Antonyms for secret

well-known

Antonyms for secret

Frequently Asked Questions About secret

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